The Bible reminds us that nothing happens by chance; God’s plan is always at work. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about trusting His perfect timing.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Challenge
What Does The Bible Say About Chance
Psalm 37:23
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;
This verse speaks of God’s guidance and control over our lives. It reminds us that if we delight in the Lord, He will establish our steps, directing us along the path He has prepared for us.
We can find comfort and assurance in knowing that God is in control and that He will lead us in the right direction if we trust in Him and seek His guidance.
Proverbs 16:9
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
This verse acknowledges our human tendency to make plans, but it also emphasizes that ultimately, God is the one who determines our path and directs our steps.
It serves as a reminder that while we may have our own plans and desires, we should submit them to the Lord, allowing Him to shape and guide our lives according to His perfect will.
Proverbs 16:33
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
This verse highlights the idea that even seemingly random or chance events are under God’s control. While casting lots was a common method for making decisions in ancient times, this verse acknowledges that ultimately, it is God who determines the outcome.
It reminds us that nothing is truly left to chance or luck, and that God’s sovereign hand is at work even in the smallest details of our lives.
Jeremiah 10:23
I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course.
In this verse, Jeremiah humbly recognizes that we are not in control of our own lives. We cannot fully understand or predict what the future holds, and thus, we are not able to plan our own course with certainty.
It teaches us to rely on God’s guidance and trust in His sovereignty, acknowledging that He is the one who orchestrates the events of our lives and determines our path.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
This well-known verse encourages us to place our trust in the Lord completely. Rather than relying on our own understanding or plans, we are called to submit to God in all aspects of our lives.
When we surrender ourselves to Him and acknowledge His wisdom and sovereignty, He promises to guide us, straightening our paths and leading us in the right direction.
Ecclesiastes 9:11
I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.
This verse acknowledges the presence of chance and unpredictable occurrences in life. It illustrates that success and favorable outcomes do not solely depend on our own abilities or qualifications.
It reminds us that in the grand scheme of things, time and chance play a role, but ultimately God is the one who holds our destiny and directs our paths.
Proverbs 16:7
When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
This verse reveals that when our ways align with God’s will, He has the power to bring about reconciliation and peace even in our relationships with our enemies or adversaries.
It reminds us that as we seek to please the Lord and follow His ways, He can change unfavorable circumstances and bring about unexpected resolutions, showing His sovereignty over every situation.
Matthew 10:29-30
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
This verse highlights God’s detailed care and concern for His creation, emphasizing that even the smallest and seemingly insignificant things are within His knowledge and control.
It reassures us that if God takes notice and cares for something as minute as a sparrow, how much more does He care for and oversee the intricate details of our lives.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
This verse reminds us that despite our own plans and desires, it is ultimately God’s purpose that will prevail in our lives.
We may have our own dreams and ambitions, but we should trust that God’s plans are greater and align with His perfect will for us.
Psalm 25:12
Who, then, are those who fear the LORD? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.
This verse speaks to the guidance and direction that God provides to those who fear and reverence Him.
When we have a reverential awe and respect for God, desiring to honor and obey Him, He promises to instruct and lead us in the paths we should choose, guiding us according to His wisdom and understanding.
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
This verse emphasizes that every good and perfect gift in our lives comes from God, who is constant and unchanging in His nature.
It reminds us that even the opportunities or chances we receive are ultimately gifts from God’s gracious hand, and we should acknowledge and thank Him for His provision in our lives.
Psalm 37:7
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of stillness and patience before the Lord, trusting His timing and plans, even when we see others succeeding through their own ways or deceitful actions.
We should not be anxious or disheartened by the immediate successes of others, but rather, we should remain steadfast, knowing that God is the ultimate judge and will bring justice in His perfect time.
Proverbs 20:24
A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?
This verse acknowledges that it is God who directs a person’s steps and path in life, highlighting the limitations of human understanding in comprehending the complexity of our own journeys.
It serves as a reminder that we should trust in God’s guidance and surrender our own understanding, knowing that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are beyond our comprehension.
Proverbs 16:2
All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD.
This verse recognizes that humans often think their own ways are pure or righteous, but it emphasizes that ultimately God examines and weighs the motives of our hearts.
It reminds us that we should be humble and open to God’s correction and guidance, seeking His wisdom and discernment in evaluating our true intentions and motives.
Proverbs 16:1
To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.
This verse highlights the contrast between our own plans and God’s role in guiding and directing our speech.
While we may have our own ideas and intentions in our hearts, it is only from the Lord that we receive the proper answer or response, highlighting our need to surrender our speech to Him and seek His guidance in our communication.
Lamentations 3:37
Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it?
This verse acknowledges that nothing can occur or come to pass unless it has been decreed or allowed by the Lord.
It reminds us of God’s sovereignty and control over every situation, reassuring us that He is the ultimate authority and that His plans will ultimately prevail.
Proverbs 16:19
Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
This verse directs our attention to the importance of humility and a contrite spirit over pride and selfish gain.
It reminds us that a humble and compassionate heart is more valuable than worldly achievements or success, urging us to prioritize righteousness and the well-being of others over personal gain.
Psalm 139:16
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
This verse affirms that God has knowledge of our lives even before we were formed in the womb, and every day of our lives has been ordained and written in His book.
It reminds us of God’s meticulous planning and sovereignty over our lives, instilling a sense of purpose and assurance that we are not left to chance or randomness.
Proverbs 19:22
What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.
This verse highlights the importance of unfailing and genuine love, contrasting it with the negative trait of dishonesty or deception.
It reminds us that rather than pursuing wealth or material possessions, the desire for true and unconditional love should be our priority, recognizing its greater value and significance.
Psalm 33:11
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
This verse affirms the unshakable and enduring nature of God’s plans and purposes.
It reminds us that even though circumstances may change and human plans may falter, God’s plans remain steadfast and will come to pass, spanning across all generations.
Matthew 5:45
…He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
This verse emphasizes God’s impartiality and grace, revealing that He extends His blessings and provisions to both the righteous and the unrighteous.
It reminds us that God’s good gifts are not solely reserved for the deserving, but they are distributed by His sovereign choice and lovingkindness.
Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.
This verse portrays God’s sovereignty even over the hearts of rulers and leaders.
It serves as a reminder that even the most powerful individuals are under God’s control, and He has the ability to influence and guide their decisions according to His purposes.
Ecclesiastes 11:6
Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.
This verse encourages diligence and productivity, while also acknowledging the unpredictable nature of outcomes.
It reminds us that we should not be discouraged by uncertainty but instead be active and diligent in our pursuits, trusting that God can bring success or blessings in unexpected ways.
James 4:13-15
Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’
These verses caution against presumptuous planning without acknowledging God’s sovereign control over our lives.
It reminds us of the brevity of life and the importance of seeking God’s guidance and aligning our plans with His will, recognizing that our lives are ultimately in His hands.