Is Friday the 13th Unlucky? What the Bible Says About Fear

It's Pastor Justin, and today is a little different. It's Friday the 13th, and maybe you've heard people say it's an unlucky day. Some people avoid ladders, black cats, and stepping on sidewalk cracks. But here's the thing, that's not how God works. Let's take a deeper look at what actually is true and what we don't have to be afraid of. So why do people think Friday the 13th is scary? This whole idea started a long time ago, even before your grandparents were born. Some people thought the number 13 was unlucky because of old legends or myths from Europe. Others connected it with stories where bad things happened with 13 people in a room, like the night of the last supper with Jesus and his 12 disciples, and when Friday lands on the 13th day of the month, people started calling it bad luck. But here's the thing, the Bible never says anything about numbers being lucky or unlucky. That idea doesn't come from God. God doesn't deal in luck. God deals in love and he doesn't use fear to lead us. He uses the truth. So what does the Bible say about this? Well, let's look at our verse from Second Timothy, chapter one, verse seven. It says, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and sound judgment. That means we don't need to panic when things feel weird or uncertain. We don't have to avoid silly stuff just because someone called it bad luck. And we definitely don't need to be scared of numbers or days on the calendar. Instead, we can be brave, loving, and wise because God is in control always. So how can we live this out today? Here's three simple ways to practice this truth, especially on a day like Friday the 13th. Replace fear with prayer. If something feels spooky or weird today, pause and say, God, remind me you are with me. That simple prayer is stronger than any small fear we might have. Secondly, encourage someone else who's afraid. If you ever have friends who are nervous today or any other day, and they say something like, I'm scared because, and then they share something, you can tell them, hey, God made today and he's going to make tomorrow. That means we can trust him. That will make everybody feel a little more relaxed. Thirdly, celebrate that God made every day. Psalm 118, verse 24 says this, this is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. That includes Friday the 13th. Let's treat today like a gift, not a curse. Here's the bottom line. God made this day so we don't have to be afraid. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Let's wrap up today with our short Friday prayer. God, thank you for this week. Help us stay strong today and bless our weekend with joy and rest. Amen. Parents, if you love this podcast, share it with a kid's pastor at church or a friend you see this weekend. Before you go, let's answer this question together. What's something that used to make you nervous or scared, and how has God helped you see it differently? I'll see you tomorrow on Carpooling with Jesus.