Hopeful LivingSample

Does luck really exist?

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. Proverbs 16:33

Many of the small superstitions people have today are rooted in misunderstandings of Christians years ago. Medieval theologians, for example, argued that since a ladder leaning against a wall forms a triangle, and a triangle was a symbolic reminder of the Holy Trinity, anyone who carelessly blundered through that mystical space was risking divine wrath. So people generally began to avoid walking under ladders, lest they incur punishment from God.

As this way of thinking became more common, condemned Englishmen about to be hanged were often required to walk under the ladder that stood against the gallows to clear the conscience of the executioner. In those circumstances, you could say the man was certainly in for a spell of very bad luck!

While the usually harmless words good luck function today as simple and hopeful words of encouragement for someone about to face a challenge, the Bible teaches there’s really no such thing as luck. In fact, as we read in today’s passage, every outcome is determined by God beforehand.

Never rely on meaningless superstition, fortune, or luck. Instead, know with confident hope that every outcome in every situation is from God and put your trust fully in His sovereign plan to work everything out for your good.

Prayer Challenge

Pray that God would give you full and confident hope in His sovereign plan no matter what He determines the outcome to be.

Questions for Thought

What kinds of superstitions do you find yourself relying upon at times?

Instead of following superstition, what can you do to let God know you’re relying firmly on His sovereign will?