a $20 bill and a miracle
As a pastor, each week I strive to share God’s Word and make it relevant to the lives of the people in the congregation.
One of the ways I do this is through illustrations that provide a window for understanding. Recently, I used a $20 bill as part of a sermon.
I wadded up the bill, stomped on it, and even ground it into the floor with my feet. I threw it across the stage and stepped on it again. Then I asked the congregation, “Does this $20 bill still have value? Can you still spend it, even though it’s been beaten up?” The answer was clear: yes, it still had the same value as a clean, new $20 bill.
I used this illustration to remind everyone that, like that $20 bill, no matter what they've been through—whether they feel trampled, dirty, or unworthy—they still have value to God. Your worth doesn’t diminish because of the hardships you've faced or the mistakes you’ve made. God sees you as valuable, no matter what.
Here’s where the story gets even better. After the service, a man and his wife left, expressing how much the message about the $20 bill resonated with them. But just five minutes later, the man rushed back, shaken and visibly moved. He told one of our pastors that he felt like that $20 bill—beaten up, trampled on, and dirty. He shared the struggles he was going through, saying that the sermon had spoken directly to his heart.
As he and his wife walked to their car, he spotted something on the ground—it was a crumpled-up $20 bill, just like in the sermon. He was overwhelmed and had to come back to share what had happened. God had given him a tangible reminder of His love and care.
This story shows that God is not only with us in the big moments, but He’s also into the smallest details of our lives.
