Good Luck? No, Good GOD!
By Jen Wollner
“Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:16-17
The idea of “luck” has become commonplace in our culture. There are numerous lucky symbols, like the four-leaf clover and horseshoe. Many people have particular numbers or possessions that they believe bring them luck. And, you can’t go too far without hearing phrases like “Good luck,” “Knock on wood” or “I don’t want to jinx myself.” It seems as though, as a culture, we buy into the notion that if good things happen to us, then we are “lucky” and if they don’t, we are “down on our luck.” Superstitions run so deep in our beliefs and language that most of the time we think nothing of the concept.By Jen Wollner
“Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:16-17
The definition of “luck” is “success or good fortune due to chance.” By this definition, “luck” isn’t very stable or predictable. A person can have good luck or bad luck; either controlled or not controlled by the individual…it’s all up to chance!
I don’t know about you, but the idea of my life being left to chance isn’t very appealing. That’s why I’m overjoyed that it isn’t! We’ve got a God who takes great care in planning our lives. He has purposes for us that are in accordance with His perfect will. He showers us with blessings; and even the things in our lives that we perceive as bad or painful, He wants to use to mature our faith and draw us closer to Him. Because of Christ, we don’t have to fear that our life is left to “the fates.” Nothing is ever an accident or coincidence. All things are directed by Him and are for our good and His glory. In fact, our Heavenly Father is the God of the “slim chance,” “fat chance” and “not a chance in the world.” He performs the most impossible miracles that go against the odds. With Him, our “luck” never changes and never runs out.
Instead of attributing good things in our lives to the “luck of the Irish” or some other false notion, let’s remember to give thanks to our loving Father in Heaven, from whom all good things come.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you think your life is left to chance or luck? If so, what is keeping you from believing that God is in control and has a purpose for you?
2. If you find yourself using the word “lucky” often, practice giving God the credit by replacing it with another more accurate word. (One suggestion would be the word “blessed.”)
FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 1:11; Romans 8:28; Job 42:1
Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children between the ages of seven and three. Jen heads the Fresh Start ministry and is on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.
