More Than Luck
By Pastor Jerry A. Burns
I recently heard a clip from a commencement address where the speaker challenged graduates to remember the role that luck plays in success. Although I did not listen to the entire speech, the point I heard was simple: none of us gets where we are entirely by our own effort. There are opportunities we did not create, people we did not choose to meet, and circumstances we could never have arranged ourselves. While the world may call that luck, the Christian knows there is a better word for it: providence.
When I look back over my own life, I can see countless moments that appeared ordinary at the time. A conversation with the right person. An unexpected opportunity. A closed door that later proved to be a blessing. A disappointment that redirected my path. Had you asked me in those moments what God was doing, I probably could not have answered. Yet years later, I can see His hand guiding every step.
Joseph did not arrive in Egypt by luck. Ruth did not happen to wander into Boaz’s field by luck. David was not accidentally forgotten in the sheepfold when Samuel came to anoint Israel’s next king. The Lord was working behind the scenes, arranging circumstances according to His perfect plan. What appeared random to human eyes was purposeful in the hands of God.
One of the greatest comforts in the Christian life is knowing that our future is not governed by chance. We do not serve a God who watches events unfold from a distance. We serve a God who orders our steps. Sometimes He leads us beside still waters. Sometimes He walks with us through dark valleys. Sometimes He closes doors we desperately want opened. But every step is under His watchful care.
Perhaps today you are wondering why certain things have happened in your life. Maybe a dream did not work out. Maybe a door closed unexpectedly. Maybe your path has taken a turn you never anticipated. Take heart. Your life is not a collection of lucky breaks and unfortunate accidents. The God who numbers the hairs of your head is directing your journey. One day you may look back and discover that what seemed like coincidence was actually the careful hand of your Heavenly Father leading you exactly where He wanted you to be.
Think of three events in your life that seemed accidental at the time but later revealed God's guidance. Thank Him for His providence and ask Him for grace to trust His direction in the chapters you cannot yet understand.
"The fear of man bringeth a snare: But whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe." — Proverbs 29:25
Daily Scripture Reading
Join us as we read through the Bible in one year, growing together in God’s Word day by day. Click on any underlined verse to access Pastor Burns’ helpful study notes and deeper insights.
Look up a different passage
Search for any chapter or scripture above to begin.
This Week's Radio Program
Week Eighteen • May 3, 2026
Trusting God With Tomorrow (Pt. 3)
In this final part of the message, “Trusting God with Tomorrow,” we are brought face to face with a powerful truth from Scripture—while we often plan our days and assume the future, the Bible teaches us that life is fragile, uncertain, and completely in God’s hands. As James reminds us, our life is “even a vapour” that appears for a little time and then vanishes away . The issue is not planning, but planning without God—living as though we are in control of what only God knows.
This message walks through the heart of biblical trust: having a proper perspective of tomorrow, a humble posture before God today, and a surrendered plan that says, “If the Lord will.” Whether facing uncertainty, fear, or the illusion of control, we are called to draw near to God, rest in His care, and trust that His will is good, even when tomorrow is unknown. Because Christ has risen, our future is secure—not in our plans, but in His perfect hands.
Listen to Past Programs
Recent Devotionals
Catch up on the last few days.