Luke 1:8-9 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

So often we forget that in the sight of God there are no “coincidences.” With our extremely limited view of things we are surprised and/or disappointed by a lot of things, but surprised is something God never is. (That’s a proof that Jesus was operating as a human being filled with the Holy Spirit, because He was surprised by such things as the faith of the centurion in Matthew 8:10) That doesn’t remove human responsibility for our actions, nor does it mean God is pleased with everything that goes on. However, it should give believers great boldness to move forward in obedience to whatever they feel the Lord is directing them to do. Drawing straws seems to us to be a cavalier way of seeking God’s will, but something similar appears many times in the Bible. It becomes a problem when we set up false choices. Sometimes we think the answer must be A, B, or maybe C, when God is thinking D. Drawing straws doesn’t work in that case! In the particular instance here, there was no problem because it was not a matter of whether, but of who, and it is clear that Zechariah was indeed God’s choice, because He had important business with him. I don’t think that fatalism is right, because that says that it doesn’t matter what we do, things are going to happen anyway. However, every believer in Christ should walk in much more assurance than we usually do, because if we are actively seeking to follow God, He is certainly going to guide us according to His perfect plan.

This is something I have grown in understanding over many years. I can’t say that I have it down perfectly yet, by a long shot! I can’t ignore such things as spiritual warfare, not just because I’ve experienced it but because the Bible mentions it quite a bit. I remember something the Lord said through me when I was praying with one other believer several years ago, and that was that I was not to be surprised at what surprised others, but rather to expect God to do good and great things. As a pastor I often deal with people who are afraid of the future, in one way or another. I am constantly challenged to impart faith and hope to them. Once again, I can’t do it in my own strength and wisdom, so I have to rely on the Holy Spirit. However, He’s certainly up to the task!

Father, thank You for this encouraging Word this morning. I needed it! Thank You for the various things You did yesterday, and for all You are going to do today. Help me rest, relax, and rejoice in You in every detail and on every level, trusting that You are God indeed and more than able to take care of everything. Help me cooperate so that You can do it using me, instead of in spite of me! Thank You. Praise God!