Apuesta Todo en Dios, no Contra Él

Bet on God, not Against Him

Growing up in Puerto Rico was a blessing; ours was a Christian (Pentecostal) home. My brother and I played in the church band, and my sister was part of the worship team. We were surrounded by friends and foes (bullies), competitive sports, and so much cultural activity. My friends and I always had a reason to place simple bets against each other's favorite basketball/baseball team, or boxing fighter. The winner got bragging rights, and the losers got to pay up, which most of time was a nickel. As we grew up, the ante and risk factors increased considerably. As time went on, some became addicted gamblers, always looking for the big payoff. For me, it was a hobby to occasionally bet on professional boxing and basketball. I lost some, won others, but never allowed myself to go too far into it.  

During the '80s, when I joined the military, all the way to the late 90s, I continued to place bets, on and off, based on statistical odds (Computers helped with research). It was fun and never a priority in my life. During the late '90s, I met Jenny, who later became my wife. We started dating, and I left my betting days behind me. Jenny invited me to church, and together we attended a few churches in the Glen Burnie area and eventually settled on one where we stayed for about seven years.  

In 2003, Jenny had the first of many strokes and spent a handful of days in the hospital, where she ultimately recovered about 90% of her functions. At the time, we were geographically separated due to my military commitments, and I applied for a compassionate reassignment to take care of her. I was denied because of the need for my skills where I was assigned. As a last resort, I requested, and Senator Mikulski, then a senator in Maryland, agreed to present my petition to military commanders at the Pentagon. 

Sometime later, I received a simple one short paragraph from a Pentagon one-star general denying my petition based, once again, on the needs of my skills elsewhere. Throughout all that time, Jenny had been praying over me and for a transfer. I finally explained to her that there was nothing else to do; this was the military's way. She insisted on praying and assured me that it was in God's hands.  

I returned to work, leaving Jenny behind; however, I decided to place a simple bet, between me and God: tithes, which I had never given, if I was transferred to MD. From that point on, every payday, I would remind God of the score: Luis - 1, God - 0. This went on for about three months, when I first received a random phone call at work asking me if I was still interested in a transfer to Maryland. I received three or four similar calls for the next couple of months, and my sarcastic reply was always the same: "Sure, let me know when to start packing." The problem was that I needed official orders, and those were only issued during specific times throughout the year. Approximately seven months later, I received official orders to pack my bags with a transfer to Maryland! My peers who knew about my situation and I were dumbfounded and in disbelief; even with papers in hand, I was at a loss for words to find the logic behind the sudden change. 

Once back in Maryland, I wrote a letter describing how I lost a bet to God, made it back to be with Jenny, and added a first-ever check to cover my tithes, which I continue to pay. After a few months, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and savior, was baptized, and served in the band, as an usher, and on the finance team. I found God’s immediate favor on our finances and at work; I bought and sold properties and was selected for better positions at work. We are also able to help others in need.   

After seven years serving in that church, Jenny and I felt a need to move in order to grow spiritually. Jenny heard about Bridgeway at a gathering and decided to visit on her own. The following Sunday we both visited and decided to make it our new home. Our Lord continues to bless us exponentially, even in unexpected ways - not just financially, but in all facets of our family lives. God changed my trajectory and because of His grace, I came to serve with the band and as one of your Elders.  

He can do the same for you! I would like to ask you to consider adding new resolutions in this almost brand-new year of 2026:

Would I encourage the reader to follow my example? I gambled without adding any thought to it, other than a lack of trust and a small seed of faith that God would listen and respond accordingly. The experience changed the way I relate to my Lord and Savior; He was always there for me, yet I was unaware of His presence. He beat me at my own game to remove barriers and build a trusting, faithful heart and mind in Jesus of Nazareth.  

I believe God has a special blessing for each and every one of us, and it starts by surrendering control of everything in our lives. Paul wrote a warning to Timothy and for all of us in 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. We are reminded in Philippians 4:19 that “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” 

Our security is not in what we earn, save, build or even bet on. When our faith rests in Him - even a mustard seed-sized faith - we are freed from chasing what cannot satisfy. We surrender control not because we have nothing to hold onto, but because we are holding onto Someone greater. Our hope, our trust, and our future are anchored in Jesus Christ alone.