In Exodus 28:30, the high priest carried two mysterious objects called the Urim and Thummim. These names translate as “lights” and “perfections”. They were one way Israel sought God’s guidance, yet Scripture never explains exactly how they worked.
Some suggest that one object was drawn from the priest’s breastpiece to reveal an answer. In modern terms, that sounds like tossing a coin. A fifty-fifty chance. Not exactly how most of us would expect God to guide his people! We find something similar in the story of Jonah (Jonah 1:7). During a violent storm, the sailors cast lots to discover who brought on their terrible trouble. The lot fell on Jonah, revealing what God already knew.
These practices are not an encouragement to toss a coin in seeking God’s will. Scripture also calls us to use reason, consider the facts, pray, seek wisdom, and listen to trusted people. Yet they remind us, that probability never limits God.
Our world relies on numbers. We calculate the likelihood of success, failure, recovery or change. Those figures may be useful, but with God, they do not get the final word. God is present when the odds look good. God is also present when they look impossible. While faith does not ignore reality, it trusts that God is at work within it.
So, in the challenges you face, give God a chance. Trust him with the outcome and take the next faithful step.
In Him,
Jason