The casting of dice!
(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not lean unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him; and He shall direct your paths!” Proverbs 3:5-6
“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
Our trust in God must be universal–that is, in all things. “In all our ways we must acknowledge Him;” not only in those ways which seem to be of greater importance, but in all things without exception. It is not in the rise and fall of empires alone, that God’s hand is to be viewed, but in the falling of a sparrow, or in any event equally trivial.
We are apt to consider some things as important, and others as unimportant. But the truth is, that in God’s sight nothing is important (except as it may advance His glory;) nor is there anything unimportant, as it relates to us.
Many things which in their effects and consequences have been of the greatest imaginable importance, may in their origin be traced to the slightest possible fluke! If we look into the book of Esther, we shall see this observation confirmed in its utmost extent.
Nor is God to be acknowledged only in those events which would be deemed small, but in those also which are, as we call them, accidental. The casting of dice appears to depend totally on chance, but the Lord determines how they fall! Proverbs 16:33
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered!” Matthew 10:29-30
In everything therefore, whether great or small, painful or pleasant, planned or incidental–God must be acknowledged as having sent it, if past; and as having the entire disposal of it, if future.
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps!” Proverbs 16:9
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails!” Proverbs 19:21
“A man’s steps are directed by the Lord.” Proverbs 20:24
