God and luck. Did you know that the word "luck" never appears anywhere in the scriptures? Odd, in a way, since it was a popular concept in the ancient world. Pagans were always ascribing things to the fates, those women who sat at their spinning wheel in the heavens and, when their thread broke, so did the lives of some poor mortals here on earth. Our lives, said Homer, are mere playthings of the gods. It is all a matter of luck, fate, chance. And what can anybody do?
Sometime back, the National Safety Council urged news organizations to stop speaking of "accidents" on our highways. Rather, they thought it more accurate to speak of "crashes." If you are doing a hundred and ninety on Route 9 and have a wreck, is this really an "accident?"
Luck is often perceived as a gift from God. Does that mean being unlucky is God's way of punishing us? Absolutely not! We have the freedom to choose. A true Christ-follower intentionally steps out on faith and allows God to control and work His providence. Many times God takes us on detours around our plans to mature and mold us into His plans. I am pondering on Joseph's response to His brothers in Genesis 50:19-20, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
I like God's truth...when we stand in faith, many of our detours that often make our journey longer, truly enhance the journey and draw us closer to the God we love. So, I am going to plan on enjoying the journey, even the detours.
You know I love ya - a fellow journeyman.
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3 comments:
Thanks for this. We are in a sure detour right now and it's hard not asking the why questions. Being assured that God is molding us is very comforting...the letting go and being molded part is a little hard though.
Thanks for your always encouraging words.
Blessings.
For years I have told anyone who wished me good luck that I don't believe in luck, and so you hit on a favorite theme of mine with this one. Elisabeth Elliot says, God choreographs the "molecular dance" which goes on every second of every minute of every day in every cell in the universe (for the record, one cell has about 200 trillion molecules). He makes note of the smallest seed and the tiniest sparrow. He is not too busy to keep records even of my falling hair. Yet in our darkness we suppose He has overlooked us. HE HAS NOT!
If there is one verse in God's word that I take literally, it is Romans 8:28. Circumstance after circumstance in Bible history bears this out. Every single thing that "happens" is God-given, God-directed, and WILL work for the good of His people! Why would I even want to depend on luck?!!!!
Jessie and Faith...thanks for the comments. God is in control and as we submit to Him, he makes everything work for His Glory. I agree being molded is the hardest part of the journey, but the rewards are so worth it.
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