Lucky You, Lucky Me
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.” Psalm 37.23, 24
Many years ago in the early days of my ministry as a pastor, our group of God’s servants who had gone on visitation returned to the church. As was our custom, we gathered afterwards at the church to share experiences. I’d go around the room and ask each team for a report. When it came the turn of one of our ladies’ groups, I asked how things went. One of the ladies said, “We didn’t have any luck.” The statement seemed to offend one of our older men who interjected quite loudly that if you are a Christian there’s no such thing as luck.
I had mixed emotions because I felt the man was overly sensitive and making a mountain out of a mole hill. After all, it was just a common statement made by many good followers of Christ.
So, what exactly does the word “luck” imply? Is it a term that should flow smoothly out of the mouth of those who believe in the sovereignty of God?
The noun “luck” itself is a loanword from Middle Dutch “luc”, a shortened form of “gheluc”, meaning “happiness, good fortune.” The word “luck” has cognates (related words) in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch “geluk” (luck, happiness), German “Glück” (luck, good fortune), and West Frisian “lokkich” (lucky, fortunate). The Dutch and the German are often heard before the start of ball games when the team captains meet in their pre-game conference. The captains will fist-bump and say, “gluck.”
From a worldly perspective, studies have shown that attitude has much to do with one’s opportunities and accomplishments. “Psychological Perspective:
“Attitude and Perception: Studies suggest that people who believe they are lucky tend to experience more positive outcomes, potentially because their positive mindset leads them to seek out and create opportunities.
“Resilience and Problem-Solving: Lucky individuals often view setbacks as temporary and learn from them, while unlucky individuals might get discouraged and give up.
“Intuition and Opportunity Recognition: Lucky people are often described as being able to “read” situations and seize opportunities that others might miss.”
While there may be some truth in this Psychological Perspective, for the follower of Christ having the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2.16; Philippians 2.5) is paramount (Romans 8.28, 29; I Corinthians 10.31; Ephesians 2.10).
Is the believer’s life a series of coincidences? Do we consider our life experiences a random set of fortunate or unfortunate circumstances?
To do so would be to reject the purpose and sovereignty of our Almighty God who has specific plans for our lives. The Psalmist points out that our very steps are ordered (to establish; fixed or steadfast). God is in control of every step we take. Whether we are healthy and prospering or whether we are weak and frail, God has a plan. His way is perfect and He offers opportunity for us to glorify Him no matter the circumstances of life.
Here’s what Paul said: “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Philippians 4.12)
“For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” (II Corinthians 1.5)
I had mixed emotions because I felt the man was overly sensitive and making a mountain out of a mole hill. After all, it was just a common statement made by many good followers of Christ.
So, what exactly does the word “luck” imply? Is it a term that should flow smoothly out of the mouth of those who believe in the sovereignty of God?
The noun “luck” itself is a loanword from Middle Dutch “luc”, a shortened form of “gheluc”, meaning “happiness, good fortune.” The word “luck” has cognates (related words) in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch “geluk” (luck, happiness), German “Glück” (luck, good fortune), and West Frisian “lokkich” (lucky, fortunate). The Dutch and the German are often heard before the start of ball games when the team captains meet in their pre-game conference. The captains will fist-bump and say, “gluck.”
From a worldly perspective, studies have shown that attitude has much to do with one’s opportunities and accomplishments. “Psychological Perspective:
“Attitude and Perception: Studies suggest that people who believe they are lucky tend to experience more positive outcomes, potentially because their positive mindset leads them to seek out and create opportunities.
“Resilience and Problem-Solving: Lucky individuals often view setbacks as temporary and learn from them, while unlucky individuals might get discouraged and give up.
“Intuition and Opportunity Recognition: Lucky people are often described as being able to “read” situations and seize opportunities that others might miss.”
While there may be some truth in this Psychological Perspective, for the follower of Christ having the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2.16; Philippians 2.5) is paramount (Romans 8.28, 29; I Corinthians 10.31; Ephesians 2.10).
Is the believer’s life a series of coincidences? Do we consider our life experiences a random set of fortunate or unfortunate circumstances?
To do so would be to reject the purpose and sovereignty of our Almighty God who has specific plans for our lives. The Psalmist points out that our very steps are ordered (to establish; fixed or steadfast). God is in control of every step we take. Whether we are healthy and prospering or whether we are weak and frail, God has a plan. His way is perfect and He offers opportunity for us to glorify Him no matter the circumstances of life.
Here’s what Paul said: “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Philippians 4.12)
“For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” (II Corinthians 1.5)
Copyright © 2025 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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