My uncle was one of the most superstitious people I ever knew. He would drive blocks out of his way to avoid crossing paths with a black cat. If he spilled salt, he would throw a pinch over his shoulder. He was always knocking on wood. And he would tell me that if my palm itched, that meant I was going to get some money.
As humorous as these habits may sound, a lot of people really believe that their lives are governed by luck or chance. Casinos and lotteries, with their advertisements for instant riches, certainly promote the idea. And the insurance industry sells us fiscal protection from random harmful events. But does happenstance really play a part in our lives?
The Bible gives us clear indication that God is the one unfailing power we can rely on to govern our lives harmoniously. In Jeremiah 29:11 we read: “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’ ” (New Living Translation). In fact, the Bible is replete with examples of people trusting God, not luck, for deliverance from evil, lack, and limitation of every sort. Moses, for instance, was divinely guided to get water from a rock in the middle of the desert. David defeated the giant Goliath with just his faith, a sling, and five smooth stones. And Elisha showed a poor widow how trusting in God resulted in an abundance of oil that met all her needs.
