CHANCE, LUCK, OR ACCIDENT by J C Ryle

                               J. C. Ryle, “The Gospel of Luke” 1858

“Aren’t five sparrows sold for two assaria? Not one of them is forgotten by God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7

Nothing whatever, whether great or small, can happen to a believer, without God’s ordering and permission.

There is no such thing as “chance,” “luck,” or “accident” in the Christian’s journey through this world. All is arranged and appointed by God.

And all things are “working together” for the believer’s good.

Let us seek to have an abiding sense of God’s hand in all that befalls us. Let us strive to realize that a Father’s hand is measuring out our daily portion, and that our steps are ordered by Him.

A daily practical faith of this kind, is one grand secret of happiness, and a mighty antidote against murmuring and discontent. We should try to feel in the day of trial and disappointment, that all is right and all is well done.

We should try to feel on the bed of sickness that there must be a “needs be.” We should say to ourselves, “God could keep away from me these things if He thought fit. But He does not do so, and therefore they must be for my advantage. I will lie still, and bear them patiently. What pleases God shall please me.”

[Taken from pages 239-240 of  Grace Gems Collection 2003. It can be downloaded FREE from http://www.gracegems.org/bookstore.htm]