We constantly hear people talk about luck, whether it be good or bad. Some say, “How lucky I was…” or, “If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all.” Personally, I don’t believe in luck one way or the other. If our lives are based solely on the ‘luck of the draw’ as they say, how can we ever be confident in anything? If we’re ‘on a roll’ and doing well, isn’t there always a possibility of our good luck turning to bad at any time? What happens when our luck runs out and we’re left to face the consequences?
Was the person who escaped death in a tragic accident really just ‘lucky’ to still be alive…or was it pure luck for the person who missed a scheduled flight… then later heard the plane they should have been on had crashed? Sorry, but luck is too small a word to explain the purpose behind such serious circumstances as these. No, a much higher power than good luck was at work…and that higher power holds the universe in His hands and directs every aspect of our lives. That higher power is God…and it is His love for us that protects us and His blessings that sustain us in every way.
Every year at this time, many young people are graduating from high school, leaving home for the first time, or soon will be, and venturing out into the world on their own. Do we simply wish them good luck in this new venture, or how can we better prepare them to face what waits for them? The best advice we can give them is found in God’s Word:
Proverbs 6: 16 These six things doth the Lord hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto him. 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. 20 Keep your father’s commandment and forsake not the law of thy mother. 21 Bind them continually upon your heart, and tie them about your neck. 23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of Life.
These young people are not going to heed this advice right away because the whole reason for going out on your own is to escape the laws mom and dad have set down for so many years…to be free. But we must impress on them the importance of having faith, an anchor on which they can base their goals and dreams. Make sure they know not to depend on luck, but to put their faith in Jesus Christ, who has nothing but their best interest at heart. Then, with this knowledge, they can pursue a future not based on a ‘roll of the dice’ but on solid decisions and wise choices.
Was it luck that saved Noah and his family? Was it luck that led God’s people to the promised land? Did luck have anything to do with anything that has happened to you or me so far in this life? Are we simply lucky that God sent His Son to die in our place? No! We are not lucky. We are blessed beyond measure! So, let’s stop sending our young people off with wishes of good luck and ask for God’s blessings on them as they set out to conquer their dreams in this world filled with greed and evil. Make sure they know and believe: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
