Bad Luck

[DeniseNY]

Is there such a thing? Can people really have “bad luck”?

Because of a rapidly occurring series of things, I’m starting to think that I have it, so I’m curious what others think. Most of all, is it sinful to believe that such a thing exists?

 

[SuperLuigi]

Is there such a thing? Can people really have “bad luck”?

Because of a rapidly occurring series of things, I’m starting to think that I have it, so I’m curious what others think. Most of all, is it sinful to believe that such a thing exists?

I don’t know about the sin element, but in life sometimes things can spiral downward.

I suppose it would be trite if I said “that’s life”.

I think it’s important for us to have pick-me-ups and the where-with-all to realize what is going on and how to make the necessary adjustments.

 

[DMC12]

Is there such a thing? Can people really have “bad luck”?

Because of a rapidly occurring series of things, I’m starting to think that I have it, so I’m curious what others think. Most of all, is it sinful to believe that such a thing exists?

well, so far it seems superstitious if you attribute it to some mystic forces, not being God.

now it is possible that God makes you to be on a bad streak either by doing it Himself or letting demons to do it, to give you a lesson or something like that.

now i don’t know how God and probabilities go together, but there is also the posibility that there is just things not going your way for natural reasons.

so in short saying bad luck, as a metaphorical way of saying something bad has happened to you is ok, now believing there is a force called luck falls into superstition.

 

[Tigg]

Denise: I immediately thought of this story when I saw your post. I think I first read it in a little book called “Tales from the Magic Monastery.”

Maybe (Taoist story)

There is a Taoist story of an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. “Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically.

“Maybe,” the farmer replied. The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. “How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed.

“Maybe,” replied the old man. The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.

“Maybe,” answered the farmer. The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out. “Maybe,” said the farmer.

The moral to this story, I believe, is that we cannot judge the efficacy of an act. And of course, as Christians, we offer every single instance of our daily life to the Lord to be used for His purposes. Is He teaching us patience or surrender or self mortification with these little instances of “bad luck?” …

 

[DeniseNY]

Denise: I immediately thought of this story when I saw your post. I think I first read it in a little book called “Tales from the Magic Monastery.”

The moral to this story, I believe, is that we cannot judge the efficacy of an act. And of course, as Christians, we offer every single instance of our daily life to the Lord to be used for His purposes. Is He teaching us patience or surrender or self mortification with these little instances of “bad luck?” …

Thank you for sharing that! It definitely gives me something to think about!

 

[AndrewLyon]

There is no concept of ‘luck’, either good or bad, within the Catholic faith. It is maybe important to remember that God allows all things, both good and bad, to happen to us in response to our needs and to encourage our growth in relationship to Him. When things aren’t going as well as I would like, I try to ask myself a simple question: “What is God trying to teach me?” It could be tolerance, fortitude, forbearance, patience, love, any virtue in fact! For me, God often seems to be showing me I must pray more and trust Him more

I also try to keep in mind that wonderful verse from Romans:
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28

I hope that helps

 

[JamalChristophr]

From my faith based perspective, I can’t believe in luck. It is all Divine Providence. However, there are times in our lives when things certainly don’t seem to be going our way one tiny bit, but maybe that is just because of and from our limited perspective.

God puts us through trials that he ordains or permits. Can’t say that I usually if ever understand it, but I try and abandon myself to Divine Providence and cling to God and his Will, even when it seems like I’m on the verge of losing my grip.

I know it wasn’t easy for Job, to say the least, nor has it been easy for a great many saints who have come since- like St. Therese, for example, and even St. Faustina who suffered great trials. Both fought tuberculousis up until the end, 24 and 33, respectively.

 

[ready]

You should refer to it as "bad fortune, " not “bad luck.” And remember, the Lord gives and takes away. Usually when He takes away He later rewards the faithful soul with much more than he had ever given before. God bless you.

 

[Weejee]

I think life is random. Bad stuff can happen to you, and good stuff too. Some people get more than their share. eg. Anyone who is born in Haiti. I don’t know why this is, and randomness probably came from our fall in Eden. it really sucks, but we have to (groan) carry our crosses. Sometime life gets to be too hard for some people, and they kill themselves.

Don’t you do that!!! God wants you. I’ve had a lot of bad luck, but I just keep leaning on the Lord and asking him to get me through it.

Just keep leaning on the Lord. Sometimes I remember Severus Snape telling Harry Potter,
Life isn’t always fair, Harry Potter.

It isn’t, and I’m sorry it isn’t, but all we can do is lean on our ever-loving Lord. So long as we are on this earth.

 

[GLam8833]

Hi DeniseNY,
The concept that God causes calamity is rooted in the fact that
the whole Universe is corrupt, by Sin, by Satan and by his fallen
angels! But, one may speculate, God made it all in the first place?#!
But remember, the best antidote WE can come up w/ in response to
this is that GOD IS LOVE, Unconditional, Eternal and Infinite! Our only
choice us whether to ACCEPT it or NOT(Which is Hell itself Eccl. 8:8)