Marcus Johnson wiped sweat from his brow as he locked up his struggling corner grocery shop for the night. The “Going Out of Business” sign in the window reflected in the puddles of the Monkston Park sidewalk. Three years of 80-hour weeks, and still the numbers didn’t add up.

His phone buzzed. Another text from his cousin Kobby:

“Fam, you need to get in on this crypto play! Quick come-up!”

Marcus sighed. He’d seen how those “quick come-ups” ended in their neighborhood. His father’s words echoed: “The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and He adds no trouble to it.” (Proverbs 10:22) But where was this blessing?

The next morning, two customers walked in simultaneously:

Mr. Chen, the elderly Chinese grocer from down the block, clutching a bag of oranges. “Marcus,” he wheezed, “my arthritis…can you deliver these to Mrs. Lee? She’s sick.”

Dante, a flashy local hustler, slapping a wad of cash on the counter. “I need your spot for a ‘business meeting’ tonight. Easy $500.”

Marcus hesitated. That $500 could cover next week’s rent.

Then he noticed Mr. Chen’s swollen fingers struggling with the bag.

“Tell Mrs. Lee I’ll bring her groceries myself,” Marcus said, pushing Dante’s money back.

Dante scoffed. “You always gonna be broke with that Bible talk.”

That afternoon, as Marcus carried groceries to Mrs. Lee’s walk-up, something unexpected happened:

She introduced him to her nurse daughter, who needed catering for a hospital event.

The nurses loved his homemade jollof rice with the jerk chicken and the rich salad as a side.

Soon, Marcus was supplying three hospitals with lunch boxes.

One year later:

The corner shop is now “Greater&Better Community Kitchen” part grocery, part meal prep service. No get-rich-quick scheme, just slow, solid growth.

When Kobby (now bankrupt from crypto crashes) asks his secret, Marcus smiles:

“God’s math is different. When you bless others, the blessing comes back multiplied without the trouble.”

Earthly hustles bring stress. God’s blessings bring peace with the profit.

Heavenly Father, bless my path with integrity and wisdom. Keep me from the temptation of empty shortcuts, and let my hands work honestly, my heart serve generously, and my life reflect Your abundance. Teach me to trust Your provision, knowing that true wealth comes without the weariness of worldly striving.

May my days honour You, rooted in diligence, guided by faith, and overflowing with gratitude. Let every effort bring glory to Your name, and every blessing be shared with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.