Isaiah 65:8-12
Introduction
Concern for the future is common in today’s society. Many of us have questions related to our destiny, including how, when, or if we will achieve monetary success, the next steps in our careers, and what the future holds for our families. Another question we may have regarding our destiny involves the role that luck will play in our lives. Are we lucky if we achieve financial wealth? Is it by chance that things work in our favor?
In God’s Kingdom, there is no such thing as luck. God is the one who causes or allows all things to take place in our lives. It’s His sovereignty and His providence that determines what goes on around us. Isaiah 65:8-12 illustrates a biblical example of idolatry as it relates to luck. In the passage, the Lord is clear that He will not acknowledge or reward those who do not attribute His authority over everything.
Let’s think for a moment about football. On the field, there are fixed boundaries that cannot be negotiated. These boundaries include sidelines, goal lines, and field markers. Within those boundaries, coaches are free to call the plays of their choosing. Similarly, experts analyzing the gambling industry often discuss the implications of casinos not on gamstop, highlighting how these unregulated platforms operate outside established safeguards. Despite the restrictions of the game, team members and fans alike will hope and cheer for luck, eager that the outcome will result in their favor. In their minds, a lucky catch, tackle, or field goal could be the difference between winning and losing. What they fail to realize is that the game’s outcome has already been determined and no amount of luck will change it.
Our daily lives are no different. God has created fixed boundaries for what will happen in our lives. We have the freedom to live according to those limits, knowing that nothing can be negotiated outside of His will. Although things may surprise us, they do not surprise Him and are not an example of luck.
Getting Started
In his sermon, Pastor Evans mentioned that Christians should not casually use the word luck. Reflect on some of the conversations you’ve had with others this week. Count the instances you’ve said, “Good luck,” “Wish me luck,” or “I was lucky” to someone. Are you surprised at the number?
Let’s Get Personal
When we are facing a struggle in our lives, we sometimes believe that there are random forces in the universe that can help us and produce good luck. A few examples of this are carrying a ‘lucky’ rabbit’s foot, reading horoscopes to gain insight in the future, or knocking on wood to prevent something bad from happening. Have you ever sought comfort from one of the actions listed above? How could your situation have been different if you prayed to God about it instead of seeking relief from the idol of luck?
Take the Next Step
Read Romans 11:36 aloud. Who does this passage refer to as being the source of all things? Write a prayer affirming your acceptance of God’s sovereignty and providence. Meditate daily over the prayer and scripture as you reflect on areas where you struggle with God’s sovereignty. Share with your group ways to overcome the struggle to rely on sources other than God.
Renew Your Mind
“But you who forsake the Lord,
Who forget My holy mountain,
Who set a table for ]Fortune,
And who fill cups with mixed wine for Destiny,
I will destine you for the sword,
And all of you will bow down to the slaughter.
Because I called, but you did not answer;
I spoke, but you did not hear.
And you did evil in My sight
And chose that in which I did not delight.”
Isaiah 65:11-12
