Not By Chance

By: Lisa Hodgins

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— Ephesians 1:4

My husband and I met 32 years ago by a chance encounter. Both of us had known the Lord in our past, but neither one of us were obeying Him when we met. Over the next few years, the Lord drew both of us back into a close, personal relationship with Him. Now we enjoy serving the Lord together! Our initial meeting may have seemed "by chance" to us, but our meeting was not random to God. He knew exactly what His plans were for both of us.

In the Old Testament, casting lots was often used to seek God’s guidance in important decisions. Some may view casting lots as a random game of chance, but scripture shows us that casting of lots was an approved method for them (not for us) to consult God. It was often accompanied by prayer, and the Israelites believed (as we should) that God's will is sovereign in all outcomes.

Some Examples:

1. Lots were used by the sailors on Jonah's boat to find out who was responsible for the terrible storm they were in. The lot fell on Jonah, but it wasn't by chance, God knew! (Jonah 1:7)
2. John the Baptizer's father Zechariah was chosen by lot to enter the temple to perform priestly duties. God knew exactly who would be chosen and why it was important. (Luke 1:8-17)
3. On the Day of Atonement, two goats were chosen for sacrifice. Lots were cast to decide which goat would be sacrificed, and which would become the scapegoat. That OT symbolism reminds us that our sin required an atonement, one that Jesus provided. (Leviticus 16)

Now, we have a much better way to seek God's will than casting lots. Jesus sent The Holy Spirit to live in us and to guide our decisions. "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." John 16:13

You aren't reading this devotion "by chance"... If you already have a personal relationship with Jesus, then He wants to remind you how much He loves you! If you've wandered, and you aren’t currently following Jesus, turn away from sin and give Him your heart. Jesus has a plan for your life, and it's not by chance!

Read: Proverbs 16:3, Job 42:1-2, Deuteronomy 7:9