Chaplain's Corner!

I am amazed at how often we use this phrase. Although I don't believe in "luck", I sometimes say it myself and then ask, "why did I say that." I think we say it as a loving wish-you-well-in-your race, of whatever challenged the person is entering into. The word "luck" means a force that brings good fortune or adversity, good or bad by chance. Anybody in racing for any amount of time has experienced both good and bad things, the question being, "was it a matter of luck?"

Quoting from Joe Gibbs' book, Racing to Win, he writes: "As for success, luck and chance, they are foreign to God's plans." Personally, I don't believe in luck. As Thomas Jefferson said, "I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it." My buddy, John LaRue, many times Karting Champion, said: "Good luck is when preparation meets opportunity."

I know in Karting we do everything possible to eliminate (by means of illustration) what is known as bad luck. We try to be safety wise, wear protective clothing, helmets, safety wire crucial parts of our Karts; turns on the tracks that have obstacles to hit are lined with bales, etc. After all is said and done, things still happen. We know, too, there's the matter of trust. Like trust in our engine buildings, metal qualities, lubrication, and then our fellow racers. But what about God, His promises and the power of prayer?

I personally don't believe in luck because I believe in the God of the Bible. In Matthew 10:29-31 Jesus says, "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. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Those verses deal with God's provincial care for me. How about the good or bad things that God allows me to experience? Romans 8:28 reads, "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."

In regard to prayer, read John 15:7. "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you." It is obvious that God's work in our lives is conditional. We need to love Him, know His word, and trust Him. So next time, instead of saying: "Good Luck", say something like "I pray for you" or maybe "God's speed." That's the one I like. Please remember in prayer our country and those involved in the war. Would it not seem trite to say "Good luck" to someone headed to battle.

Chaplain Ken