Flip A Coin?

Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart.  Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.”  Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven. [Acts 1.24-26]

Knowing the will of God is a great topic of discussion, books,  and teachings today.  How does one know the will of God?

In this instance of the apostles feeling the need to replace Judas Iscariot, we find an interesting take on knowing God's will.  They first prayed, then they cast lots (pretty much 'rolled the dice').

Wait!  Could it be that simple?  Do we believe God is truly in control of everything?

How many of us today could, in consideration of God's will in a particular matter, pray about first, then flip a coin?  Just for humor's sake, let's just say heads is "yes" and tails is "no."

One might pray, "God, do I give money to the missionary who spoke at church today?"  And then, with a careful little movement between the pews, discretely flip a coin for the answer.

Does God answer that way?

I suppose it depends upon what we believe about God and what He is and what He is not in control of... oh wait, He is in control of everything!

It comes down to a simple matter of faith, doesn't it?  If we truly and genuinely believed God was in control of absolutely everything, then the flip of a coin after a prayer of request would actually simplify our quest for answers in life greatly!

Does God control chance?

Father, I am smiling as I write this - amused at myself for painting myself into the proverbial corner.  So much in me wants my faith to be complicated - it seems necessary that faith and doing Your will be complicated.  But are they?