The Bible
The Bible is clear when discussing luck; Proverbs 16:33 says “‘The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.'” This teaching points to the idea of luck existing in Christianity, as God is ultimately responsible for every outcome. These interpretations also emphasize that while luck might influence events, it is ultimately God who chooses our destiny. Psalm 119:105 says “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” meaning God sets the plan for our lives.
Christ also taught about luck in the New Testament, in Luke 12:22-23 he said “Then Jesus said to his disciples: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.” These teachings point to the idea of luck existing in Christianity, as we should be thankful for our blessings and what God has provided.
Luck is also used in Christianity to explain God’s providential hand in human affairs. Luke 12:24 says “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” This suggests that while luck plays a role, it is God’s will that ultimately determines our fate.
Furthermore, James 2:14-17 states “ What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” This points to the idea of God providing us with resources and luck playing a role in how we use them.
Finally, Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 states “I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.” These teachings demonstrate that luck does play an important part in life and that God often takes us by surprise with unexpected events.
The Role of Faith
Christianity teaches that luck and faith should work together. The Bible in James 2:17 states “..faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” This means that faith without works is worthless and similarly, luck without faith is also ineffective. In other words, luck can play a role in our lives, but our faith must be equal to the task if anything is to be achieved.
Additionally, Christian faith is not merely hoping that luck will be on our side. Romans 5:5 says “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Faith should provide us hope in the midst of trials and this hope should be based on trust in God’s goodness, not luck alone.
God also uses faith to overcome luck when fortune is stacked against us. Romans 8:24 states ” For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” This teaches us that even when luck is against us, our faith in God can provide a way out and should never be taken for granted.
Finally, the Bible tells us in Matthew 6:25-33 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” God has the power to overcome luck, no matter how difficult the situation.
Divine Providence
The Bible teaches that God is in ultimate control of our lives and therefore has the power to influence luck when needed. Psalm 22:7-8 states “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” The psalmist trusts God to provide for his needs, despite not being able to see the future.
Similarly, Romans 8:28 says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This doesn’t mean that bad things will never happen and that we should expect the best. It does mean however, that when bad luck does happen, God may be at work for your benefit.
God’s providence also has the power to intervene when luck fails our expectations. 1 Corinthians 10:13 states “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” Luck does not always provide us with the ideal outcome, but God will be faithful in providing us a way out.
Finally, the Bible says in Psalm 25:1-2 “O LORD, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths.” Despite luck not always being on our side, God will be faithful to show us the way forward.
Living by Faith
Christianity teaches that faith can overcome luck when we need it. In Matthew 21:22 Jesus taught his disciples “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” In other words, faith can be more powerful than luck. We must trust in God’s plan, despite what luck has to say about it.
Ephesians 3:12 also tells us “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence”. No matter how the odds are against us, we never need to fear our circumstances. Through faith in Jesus, we can experience the fullness of God’s love and protection.
Living by faith also helps us to overcome obstacles when luck is not in our favor. The Bible says in Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Despite luck not always being on our side, we are reminded that we can always find hope and strength in God’s presence.
Finally, 1 Peter 1:7 states “These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” This teaches us that faith is more valuable than luck, as it brings us redemption, everlasting peace, and an eternal relationship with God.
Conclusion
The Bible teaches us that luck does play an important role in our lives and that God can use it for good. However, the Bible also shows us that it’s important to live by faith and never take luck for granted. We should trust in God’s plan and rely on faith, despite what fortune has to say. Through faith, we can experience true joy, redemption, and an eternal relationship with God.
