Basketball brings us March Madness and spring weather brings its own March madness where you’re not sure what type of weather you’ll encounter from one hour to the next. So March offers a lot of opportunities for people to casually mention luck. Maybe they point out that lucky shot that became a buzzer-beater, their luck at having brought along an umbrella, or just casual laughs about the luck of the Irish for Saint Patrick’s Day.
Regardless of their context, even outside of the month of March, people offer casual comments about luck all the time without even thinking about what it means. While you may tell your friends, “Good luck!” before a big event or job interview, you probably don’t really believe in luck itself. However, many people believe that luck affects their lives and well-being. Many successful entrepreneurs contribute a certain amount of their success to luck as well.
On the other hand, we see reality through the lens of Scripture, and Scripture tells us that we believe in a sovereign God. Sovereign meaning a God who is in control of everything. Luck presumes that something happens by “chance” that is in our favor. But if we believe in a God who is completely in control, do things really happen by chance? Or by God’s hand? While there’s nothing wrong with the casual mention of luck, Christians should remind themselves of the unbreakable, loving presence and sovereignty of God in their lives every day. Because God maintains control, you can rely on Him instead of luck to rule your life.
Your reliance on the light of the world will sustain you more than luck ever will, and as an ambassador of Jesus Christ, you can show the world your reliance on God through the Christian clothing you wear. While you don’t have to talk someone out of believing in luck, this post explains how you can show others that God directs your life and gives you practical ways to live a life in obedience to Him, which results in boundless blessings. The things of this world are fleeting, and unfortunately too many people put their trust in those things, including luck. They hope that the “universe” will be kind to them because they try to be a “good person” but what if we could promote a different level of security? One only found in the cross?
Find Your Refuge and Strength in God
Luck offers an empty place of refuge, bereft of hope. Those who live by luck cling to little hope because they have nothing they can consistently depend on. Chance leaves you drifting like a boat with no oars, tossed and turned by the wind, waves, and current.
Of course, when the water is calm, you don’t worry, but when the wind and waves pick up you’re left with nothing for survival—you’re left helpless and hopeless. But for those who look to the cross, you always have hope because Romans 8:28 tell us that God works out all things for the good of those who love Him.
However, Christians easily become passive in their faith. Instead of seeking out God’s refuge and strength daily, they meander along, especially when times are good, and if you don’t establish a habit of relying on God daily, you easily look in the wrong direction for help in times of trouble.
What Happens When We Stop Relying on God?
In Matthew chapter 8, verses 23-27, the disciples are in a boat with Jesus on the sea. Jesus, most likely exhausted from his endless ministry and sermons, is sleeping like a rock in the boat. As their time on the water grows, a storm builds and is crashing waves against the boat. The disciples start to panic and freak out that they will capsize. Now mind you, these were fishermen, if anyone knew the seas and storms, it was these guys. So they probably had a good reason to be concerned. They then turn to Jesus and wake him up and this is what goes down:
“And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
God’s Promises
Peter and the disciples illustrate what the Bible says in Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” When life or circumstances seem out of control, don’t sink into the fear of the storm, lean on God. God promises to be by your side just as you are. God promises:
- When you need safety: He will be a refuge.
- When you feel weak: He will give you strength.
- When you find yourself in trouble: He will always help.
Psalm 46 doesn’t refer to perfect people because God knows we need Him. Luke 5:31 reveals that Jesus came for the sinner, not the saint. Jesus says that “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” So you can rely on the light of the world to help you endure, not luck. God offers a refuge for you, no matter your condition, and you can put your hope in Him.
While we are all called to be ambassadors for Christ, it’s common for us to sometimes slip away and forget how important it is to rely on God on a daily basis, but even the simple act of wearing Christian clothing reminds you of your connection to God. Not only can it help you spark conversations with others, but even more it serves as a reminder to you of the One you can rely on for all your needs.
Relying on God Daily
The disciples trembling in fear, even with Jesus on the boat, caused them to fold when it looked like the world was against them, but Matthew 8:23-28 shows us that we have a choice. We can follow fear or follow God.
God wants to be a help to you, and the Bible offers a lot of encouragement to focus on God:
- Keep your eyes firmly on God. Every day, actively commit yourself to staying firmly focused on God (Hebrews 12:2).
- Focus on Heavenly things. When life gets hectic, it’s easy to focus on negative circumstances, but we should focus on what matters—things of God (Colossians 3:2). Philippians 4:8 offers even more detail, telling Christians to think about things that are true, honest, and pure, all characteristics of God.
- Follow God’s direction. Trust God’s plan with all your heart, which requires a heavy dose of faith on a daily basis, but you also need to forget what you think you know so that God will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5–6).
You can’t rely on luck. No luck is getting you out of a storm. God offers a constant presence in your life in the form of the Holy Spirit, our helper, so that you can rely on Him daily. As an ambassador for Christ, your Christian clothing allows you to recognize God in all that you do. It can also serve as a constant reminder throughout the day to forget your own ideas and to focus fully on Him. Focusing on God and His plan for your life lights a clear path and direction for you to take. If you want to show the world a force more powerful than luck, consider wearing our new “Blessed not Lucky” Christian tee!