What Does the Bible Say About Luck?

Better luck next time!

It’s the luck of the draw.

Aw, well aren’t you the lucky one?

Good luck!

We all say it. Sometimes jokingly and sometimes not, we use this four letter word in our everyday lives. But the harsh reality is that trusting in luck could be referred to as superstitious. Or in the words of Michael Scott… a little stitious.

People talk about luck like it’s some kind of force that determines what happens in life, but the Bible tells a different story. God isn’t random—He’s intentional, in control, and working through every detail. Even when something feels like a coincidence, it’s actually part of His bigger plan.

Relying on “luck” instead of trusting God makes it seem like He’s not powerful enough to handle things, like we need some extra help for life to turn out okay. But God already has a plan, and He’s guiding everything.

So the big takeaway here is that: it’s not inherently bad to say ‘good luck’ or joke about a lucky penny—but at the end of the day, our trust isn’t in chance. It’s in God.

The Bible is really clear that trusting in luck, or “good fortune” is a problem because it takes the focus off God and gives credit to something else. That’s actually what Israel did—they started looking to luck and destiny instead of God, and He called them out for it (Isaiah 65:11-12).

Think about it—God controls everything, even things that seem totally random. Proverbs 16:33 says that when people cast lots (which is like rolling dice), the outcome is still in His hands.

“We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.” | Proverbs 16:33

Nothing happens by chance. Romans 8:28 reminds us that in all things, God is working for the good of those who love Him.

And when you think about luck, you’re gonna think about one of three things- Lucky Charms, Leprechauns, and St. Patrick’s Day. VeggieTales does an amazing job at explaining the history behind St. Patrick’s Day. And proves that a three-leaf clover can be a pretty good sermon point.

Isn’t that a pretty cool and intense thought: even the smallest things in life aren’t random or lucky. Jesus said in Matthew 10:29-31 that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without God knowing, and He knows every hair on your head. So if He’s that involved in tiny details, He’s definitely got the big things under control too.

God isn’t just directing personal lives—He’s in control of nations and history (Daniel 2:21). Instead of looking to luck, we should trust that God is guiding our steps (Psalm 37:23). Even when life is hard, it’s not about bad luck—it’s about God refining and growing us (James 1:2-4). He’s been working things out from the very beginning (Ephesians 1:11), so we don’t need luck. We just need Him.

So in the wise words (or really lyrics), of Christian artist Forrest Frank,

“This is all God, this ain’t no… luck.”

Alaina Goode

Hey, I'm Alaina!

Or some would call me Laney. I'm from small town friendly Forest City, NC. I love spending time with my family, worship, film, theater, and basically all things music.

God is writing our stories so that every life has a testimony. I want to spend my life creating platforms with others to share these stories and glorify the kingdom of God!