Random

The human explanation for many events and happenings is coincidence and chance. Yet from a Biblical perspective “all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). God’s purposes will prevail (Prov 19:21). Satan (and ungodly people) have an agenda but God is able to take advantage of these evil schemes to bring about His good purposes, be it the physical or spiritual saving of lives (Gen 50:20; Act 2:23). Paul said, what has happened actually aided the spread of the gospel (Phil 1:12).

Some things happen because of the natural law of sowing and reaping, also termed the principle of cause and effect (Gal 6:7,8). As there are always results or consequences for all we do and say, we should be aware of what we are setting in motion.

Yet behind everything is the providence of God – His ability to arrange events to outwork His plans and purposes. Divine providence is repeatedly evidenced in the lives of Ruth and Esther. As we also look back, we can see the hand of God guiding and protecting us, so we can be confident going forward He will bring us to a good end (Jer 29:17; Phil 1:6).

We should continually be listening for His voice to lead and guide us for it is not in us to direct our path (Ps 37:23; Prov 16:9; Jer 10:23). The input and direction we receive from the Word should not be gained in a haphazard way. Although He can speak from a random passage of Scripture, there is the story of a person who tried this approach. When opening the Bible their eye caught sight of “Judas . . . went away and hanged himself” (Mt 27:5). The next was “Go and do likewise” (Lk 10:37). The following stab was “What you are about to do, do quickly” (Jn 13:27)!
While there are many events we don’t plan or have control over in life, we are not to continually oscillate back and forth between different options, rather there should be a stability or predictability in our lives, constantly moving closer to God and the right way of living.