Should a Christian Believe in Luck?
We hear the word "luck" everywhere, don't we? People wish each other "good luck" before a big exam, wear a "lucky charm" for a job interview, or attribute a surprising event to being "lucky." It's so woven into our everyday language and culture that it can be confusing for a new or curious Christian. If you follow a powerful, all-knowing God, where does something like "luck" fit in?
It's natural to pause and wonder about this, especially when something good happens and your first thought is, "Wow, I got lucky!" We want to explore this idea with an open mind, focusing on the beautiful, reliable truth of Scripture.
What is "Luck," Anyway?
In its most common sense, "luck" is the belief that events happen randomly, without any guiding force or purpose. It's chance, fate, or fortune—a kind of unseen energy or force that is indifferent to people. If you have "good luck," you randomly stumbled into a favorable circumstance. If you have "bad luck," you were randomly hit by misfortune. Luck is impersonal, unpredictable, and powerful enough to determine your day.
The Problem with Luck from a Christian Perspective
When we compare the concept of "luck" to the Christian view of God, we find they simply cannot coexist. The biblical view of the world replaces randomness with intentionality and sovereignty.
God is Sovereign, Not Random: The Bible teaches that God is in complete control of the universe. He is sovereign over all things, meaning nothing is outside of His knowledge or authority—not even the small details of your life.
Romans 8:28 is a cornerstone of this truth: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." This promise doesn't say "random chance sometimes works things out"; it says all things work together for good because of God's purpose.
Even more intimately, Matthew 10:29-30 says, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered." If God cares about sparrows and knows the number of hairs on your head, then no event in your life is truly left to "luck" or "chance." Every circumstance, whether joyful or difficult, is allowed or directed by a loving and intentional Father.
Luck Dismisses God's Providence: The Bible uses the term providence to describe God's ongoing activity in the world, maintaining creation and guiding history toward His ultimate goal. When a Christian believes in luck, they are essentially taking the credit away from God and giving it to an impersonal, non-existent force.
Proverbs 16:33 states, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." In biblical times, "casting the lot" was the closest thing they had to a coin flip or random selection. Yet, the proverb teaches that even in a seemingly random act, the outcome is ultimately directed by God.
God Calls for Trust, Not Superstition: Believing in luck often leads to superstition—relying on a lucky shirt, charm, or ritual to try and control the uncontrollable. God calls us to place our complete reliance and faith in Him alone, not in objects or chance.
Proverbs 3:5-6 commands us to trust: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Our safety, provision, and success come from acknowledging God, not from seeking a random stroke of luck.
Conclusion: Relying on Providence, Not Chance
When we understand the fundamental truth that God is sovereign, personal, and intentional, the concept of luck disappears.
If you are a Christian, you do not need to "get lucky" because you are already blessed. Every good outcome is not a random roll of the dice; it is a demonstration of God's grace and providence in your life.
This is not a message of judgment for those who use the phrase "good luck"—it's a call to a deeper, more peaceful perspective. Instead of saying, "I hope I get lucky," a Christian can say, "I trust God to work out His purpose in this situation." This realization replaces anxiety and superstition with the peace that comes from relying on a loving Father who guides your steps.
The Christian does not believe in luck; the Christian believes in Providence.
