NO LUCK REQUIRED                     

Every year as St. Patrick’s Day approach, we see images of green shamrocks and Leprechaun adorned clothing, home décor, and sweet treats. Those with even a fraction of Irish blood in their family line will brandish t-shirts, pins, or buttons that say, “Kiss me, I’m Irish,” and kids will look to pinch their peers for neglecting to wear green. Another sentiment is a nod to the “luck of the Irish.” Well-wishers will convey fortune to others as they pronounce the “Luck of the Irish be with you”.

I am of the McGrady and Kemp clans, so my family has always enjoyed the activities associated with St. Patrick’s Day; sometimes too much. I, for one, did not place a great emphasis on the March 17th occasion. Personally, I couldn’t correlate luck, four-leaf clovers, green attire, or Irish ethnicity to good fortune. From where did this idea of Irish luck come from? Well, there are a few tales that shed a little light on the folklore of Irish luck.

Some associate it with the gold and silver rush in the second half of the 19th century. Many of the most successful miners were Irish. Over time, this association of the Irish with mining fortunes led to the expression “luck of the Irish.” In addition, according to superstition, the four-leaf clover (or shamrock) traditionally associated with Ireland is thought to bring good luck to its finders. Experts say the odds of finding a four-leaf clover are about 1 in 10,000, so if you find one, you are considered lucky! Another aspect of “Irish luck” is the legend of the Leprechaun. Anyone fortunate enough to find a Leprechaun and capture him could barter his freedom for his treasure. 

As you can see, these concepts can fall along the same lines as Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, or the Tooth Fairy. I need something more solid to place my fate besides a botanical with four leaves or a tiny, diminutive-sized, bearded man dressed in green. So, what does the Bible say about luck and how should Christians view the idea? According to Merriam-Webster, luck is “fate that brings good fortune or adversity; it can be either good or bad”. Luck is also defined as “the events or circumstances that operate positively or negatively for an individual”. Another summary says luck is “the force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person’s life, as in shaping circumstances, events or opportunities.”

As followers of Christ, we understand the ultimate “force” in this world is our sovereign God. Whether an event in our life seems insignificant or is quite substantial, it’s happening in God’s dominion and under his authority, and He is in full control. God is working things together for our good, whether orchestrating events or allowing bad things to happen for the greater good. In Romans 8:28, the Bible says;

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

God is at work bringing everything together for his followers that works in harmony with His will. This doesn’t mean that the events of life will always be pleasant or enjoyable; but, we can be assured that God is using events and circumstances to make our relationship with him better and stronger as it builds His kingdom. His word says in John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

We should expect that in life, we will have our share of trials and difficulties. It doesn’t mean that we have bad luck or no luck; but, it’s all a part of life. The key is to have courage and faith because Jesus has overcome the world. No matter what comes our way, God will see us through. So as we live our lives and experience the good times as well as the bad, keep in mind that God is in control and not the notion of luck playing its role.