Devotionals
I watch Jeopardy whenever I can. I notice that Alex Trebek wishes each contestant “Good luck!” before they play. Since only one player can win, what’s the point of wishing them all “good luck”? Of course, if he knew ahead of time who was going to win, he could wish that player “good luck.” But then, why would Alex need to do that, knowing that player would win? And, what on earth am I talking about, anyway?
Webster’s defines luck thus: “the force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person’s life, as in shaping events or opportunities.” Note how I emphasized the words force and seems. These are impersonal words of uncertainty. The “force” is impersonal and unidentified, and “seems” is tentative at best.
This morning, I had an “accident.” Webster’s says I had “[an] event that happens unexpectedly, without deliberate plan or cause.” It was relatively minor, but was a big inconvenience. And, the Lord answered my prayers concerning the outcome.
As Christians, does something strike us as odd about the above definitions of “luck” and “accident”? How do these concepts square with our understanding of God’s sovereignty?
The sovereignty of God does not mean that He causes everything to happen—it means that He is independently in control of everything. Nothing happens without His knowledge or permission (Matthew 10:29). Joseph’s brothers sold him into Egypt, a heinous act of betrayal, yet his attitude was one of acceptance and understanding; he saw the good hand of God in it (Genesis 45:5–8). Indeed, God works everything together for good (Romans 8:28).
In light of the above, and countless other scriptures, can we consider God an impersonal force? Of course not! He is a Person who supplies all the force of the universe, all under the control of His goodness! He is more powerful than all the forces of evil and creation (John 16:33). And He is on our side (Romans 8:31).
Luck says that there seems to be something operating in our lives. Scripture says that it is this Good and Sovereign God that operates in our lives (Philippians 2:13). There’s no doubt or uncertainty about it!
Now, about accidents: they happen unexpectedly. No one sees them coming (which is how my “accident” happened!). However, God knows everything that is going to happen (Isaiah 46:10). And, He has a deliberate plan for everything (Jeremiah 29:11). He has a purpose for everything (Ephesians 1:11).
So, as far as the rest of the world is concerned, things happen in a random, impersonal, uncontrollable flow of events; a tsequential tsunami. But for us who know Christ as Lord and Savior, life is a relentless river that carries us under the watchful eye of a Good, All-Knowing, Almighty God, Who only allows what is good into our lives, to bring us to a perfect end.
Good luck! Oops, I mean, God bless!
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