Choosing Blessing Over Luck
Pastor Alex Hall | Sermon August 10, 2025 WATCH
Have you ever found yourself attributing life's ups and downs to mere luck? It's a common tendency, but one that may be limiting your spiritual growth. The truth is, our lives aren't governed by random chance, but by choices - choices that lead us either towards blessing or away from it.
In the Bible, we don't find concepts of luck or bad luck. Instead, we encounter the reality of blessings and curses. This isn't about superstition, but about aligning our lives with God's will and ways. When we walk in obedience to God, we position ourselves to receive His blessings. Conversely, when we consistently choose to go our own way, we may find ourselves experiencing what feels like a "curse" - but it's really the natural consequence of moving away from God's best for us.
Consider the powerful words from Jeremiah 17:5-8:
"Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
This passage paints a vivid picture of the stark difference between a life rooted in God and one that relies on human strength alone. The blessed person, trusting in the Lord, remains fruitful even in difficult seasons. They have a resilience that comes from being deeply connected to the source of life.
But how do we practically live this out? It starts with allowing God to direct our hearts. In 2 Thessalonians 3:5, we read, "May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance." This is a prayer we should echo daily. Instead of following the popular advice to "follow your heart," we should be asking God to lead our hearts. Our own hearts can be deceptive, but God searches and knows them perfectly.
Sometimes, in this process of heart-direction, we may enter seasons where God feels distant. It might seem like He's withdrawn from us. But even these times can be part of God's plan to test and strengthen our faith. In 2 Chronicles 32:31, we see how God withdrew from King Hezekiah "in order to test him and to know everything that was in his heart." These testing seasons, though challenging, can lead to tremendous spiritual growth if we respond with faithfulness.
When we can't feel God's presence, when His voice seems silent, that's when we most need to lean into worship and the Word. These spiritual disciplines become our lifeline, anchoring us to truth even when our emotions are wavering. It's in these moments that our faith is truly exercised and strengthened.
Another crucial aspect of living in God's blessing is recognizing the seasons we're in. Sometimes, what we perceive as a curse might actually be God's loving correction. Like a good father running after a child heading towards danger, God may allow difficulties in our lives to redirect us onto a safer, more blessed path. It's essential to discern whether we're experiencing the consequences of our choices, God's correction, or a season of testing.
We must also guard against complacency in our spiritual lives. In Zephaniah 1:12, God warns against those who have "settled on their dregs" and say, "The Lord will not do good, nor will He do evil." This attitude of spiritual apathy is dangerous. It leads to a lukewarm faith that, according to Revelation 3:16, is distasteful to God. He desires us to be either "hot or cold" - fully engaged in our relationship with Him.
So how do we break free from complacency and step into the fullness of God's blessing? It starts with repentance. We need to honestly assess our hearts, identify areas where we've grown cold or indifferent, and turn back to God with renewed passion. This might mean changing our daily habits, reordering our priorities, or letting go of things that have taken God's place in our lives.
We're also called to fan into flame the gift of God within us (2 Timothy 1:6). This involves actively nurturing our spiritual lives through prayer, studying Scripture, fellowship with other believers, and stepping out in faith to use the gifts God has given us. As we do this, we'll find ourselves moving from a place of spiritual stagnation into vibrant, fruitful living.
Remember, you were made for more than just getting by. You were created to live in intimate relationship with God, experiencing His presence and power in your daily life. Don't settle for less. Don't attribute the blessings and challenges of life to mere luck. Instead, recognize God's hand at work, shaping you and leading you towards His best.
As you go through your week, challenge yourself to see beyond the surface of your circumstances. Ask God to direct your heart, to show you where He's working, even in the difficult seasons. Choose to worship and dive into His Word, especially when you don't feel like it. And above all, remain open to His correction and guidance, knowing that His plans for you are good.
You have a choice each day - to live directed by your own understanding or to submit your heart to God's leading. Choose blessing. Choose to trust in the Lord with all your heart, leaning not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledging Him. As you do, you'll find He truly does make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6), leading you into a life of purpose, fruitfulness, and deep satisfaction in Him.