Which Do You Trust--Grace or Luck? - Spiritual Nugget 86

It is not uncommon to hear a person express a wish of “Good Luck” over someone about to undertake an activity. Or with great enthusiasm, they shout to the winner of an event, prize, or The Lottery, “Wow, you are lucky!” or “What a lucky break!” How can any break be lucky? Even more common is using the word luck as a flimsy expression of encouragement after a disappointment. For example, ”Better luck next time.” Seriously!
 
These are just a few instances of the world’s prevailing belief in chance (favorable or unfavorable). This practice has even become so prevalent that some of our most frequent gatherings have encouraged the name “potluck” to inform the attendees of an unknown menu.
 
In the true sense of its meaning, luck is a form of gambling. Its origin is unknown, but early sources record it as a shortening from the early Middle Dutch gheuluc, “meaning happiness, good fortune.”¹.
 
In this country, we are borderline addicts to games of chance: The Lottery, slot machines, card games, bingo, dice, roulette wheels, horse racing, sports betting, and other suspect markets. The outcome of these games has zip to do with luck.
 
Grace is the total opposite of luck. It is a gift of undeserved favor, loving-kindness, and mercy from God. It is life. It is the air we breathe, healing, forgiveness, freedom. It is God’s attitude toward mankind and is free from human intervention. In other words, good works can’t earn it, nor is it some natural morality. Religion, ethics, good deeds, ordinances, and charity, no matter how sincere, cannot substitute for faith in God’s Grace through the work of Christ. (Romans 11:5-6) If we count the multiple times we mess up and fall into our own mud puddles, we don’t deserve His Grace, but He gives it anyway.
 
God’s Grace is never inactive. It is filled with power, and His strength is brought to perfection when we depend upon Him. (2 Corinthians 12:9) Skip the television commercials for healing solutions and the superhero movies for protection. His Grace is sufficient for:
 

• Healing (no matter what the name COVID, Cancer, Diabetes, etc.)
• Forgiveness
• Job interview/Job
• Prodigal children
• Protection
• Marriage
• Depression
• Finances
• Purpose/Faith

 
Games of chance exalt men above God. We look for positive outcomes in devices created by humans and become angry with God when there are unfavorable outcomes. God’s Grace necessitates that we place our souls and spirits in the heart of God and focus on God’s nature, the deity of Jesus Christ, and love for humankind.
 
God’s Grace is sufficient in all situations to shield, deliver and protect.

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¹https://www.etymonline.com/word/luck