Should Christians Believe in Luck?
Every year as we approach St. Patrick's Day, we see images of green shamrocks and Leprechauns adorning clothing, home décor and sweet treats. Those with even 1/16th of Irish blood in their family line will say, “Kiss me, I’m Irish,” and kids will threaten to pinch their peers for neglecting to wear green.
Another sentiment of St. Patrick’s Day is a nod to the “luck of the Irish.” “Wherever you go, whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you!” I am of the O’Donnell Irish clan, so I have always enjoyed the fun of St. Patrick’s Day!
From where did this idea of Irish luck originate? There are a few backstories. Some people associate it with the gold and silver rush in the second half of the 19th century. Many of the most successful miners were Irish. Over time, this association of the Irish with mining fortunes led to the expression “luck of the Irish.”
Also, according to superstition, the four-leaf clover (or shamrock) traditionally associated with Ireland is thought to bring good luck to its finders. Experts say that the odds of finding a four-leaf clover are about 1 in 10,000, so if you find one, you’re very lucky!
Another explanation for “Irish luck” is the legend of the Leprechaun. People lucky enough to find a Leprechaun and capture him can barter his freedom for his treasure.
So, what does the Bible say about luck? Should Christians believe in it? If you happen to catch every green traffic light on the way home you might think, “Wow, I got lucky,” but let’s consider it from our biblical worldview.
According to Dictionary.com, luck is “the force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person's life, as in shaping circumstances, events or opportunities.”
As Christ-followers, we understand the only “force” in this world is our sovereign God. It all began in Genesis 1 when He created everything – literally everything! Throughout God’s Word, He reveals His sovereignty. Whether an event in our life seems inconsequential or is quite significant, it’s happening in God’s creation, and therefore, He is in full control of it. God is in the business of working things together for our good, be it by orchestrating events or allowing bad things to happen for a greater good.
Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that we are to expect trials and tribulations in this life but to take courage, because He has overcome the world. God uses trials in our life (1) to show us the strength or weakness of our faith; (2) to show us that we are not in control and He is in control; (3) to teach us to depend upon Him rather than depending on ourselves and our earthly resources; (4) to draw us into a closer personal relationship with Him; and/or (5) to draw others into a personal relationship with Him as they see the peace we have during our own trials and difficulties because of our trust in the Lord.
All things that take place are according to God’s will. Let’s look at the Word of God to better understand this truth for us as Christians:
Romans 8:28: “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.”
Ephesians 1:11: “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will...”
Matthew 10:29–31: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Colossians 1:16–17: “For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
Isaiah 45:8: “You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I the Lord have created it.”
It’s not good luck or bad luck. It’s not chance. It’s not good fortune or serendipity. Everything happens by the will of God.
We don’t need luck because as Christians, we have the maker and upholder of all things in the universe watching over us and living inside of us! He knew us before we were born and He “knows the plans He has for us” (Jeremiah 29:11). He is faithful to complete every good work and He alone deserves the praise! Next time we find ourselves going through tough times (which the Bible tells us there will always be tough times), rather than praying to be taken out of the fire, let’s try asking God to show us what it is He is trying to teach us in the trial, and trust that He is right there with us in the fire. And next time when we have a run of “good luck,” let’s remember to thank God for His amazing grace and love He continues to pour out on us who do not deserve all He continues to provide to us! What an incredible God we have indeed!