What If It Isn’t A Coincidence?

COINCIDENCE OR GODWINKS?

Shortly after 9/11 Squire Rushnell published his first “Godwinks” novel.  “A godwink is what some people would call a coincidence, an answered prayer, or simply an experience where you’d say, “Wow, what are the odds of that!” states Squire.  In his latest book , “Divine Alignment”  Squire explains, you are not like a twig randomly floating down a stream to destinations unknown. Instead, you are part of an incredible plan that was created long before you were born. Scripture confirms this.

 

Jeremiah 29:11     For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Proverbs 19:21    Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.

 

 

IS IT COINCIDENCE OR IS GOD AT WORK?

Our Pastor recently stated in his sermon that God is at work in our lives way more than we realize.  Our Creator creates coincidence in order to change lives. He gave four great examples from the Bible.

• Joseph ends up in a perfect role to save his family (and the future of Israel)
• Moses was coincidently found in the river, brought to Pharoah’s court and nursed by his own mother.
• Ruth just happened to be in the field of Boaz and later became the great grandmother of King David.
• Jesus coincidently met a tarnished woman at a well that lead her whole town into meeting the Saviour.

Romans 8:27–28   And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

God knows our hearts and minds.He knows our needs and the Holy Spirit intercedes before The Father to answer our prayers in His time. God will never waste a tear or struggle. We are asked to trust that He has a purpose and plan even when we can’t see what He is doing.

 

 

 

COINCIDENCES CAN BRING OPPORTUNITIES

Christianity also recognizes that some coincidences are exactly that—coincidences.  While God is sovereign over every part of His creation, not everything that happens is meant as a grandiose message from heaven. Somethings happen because of cause and effect. But God invites us to recognize the extraordinary in the ordinary. He wants us to remain open to possibilities that life presents.

This is a true story that happened to me.

We were unloading our groceries into the back of our cars. I casually remarked, “I’m trying to finish shopping and get home before it rains again.” The woman next to me replied, “I wish this was all but I have to go to the hospital to be with my sister. Her Dad had a heart attack and she’s a mess”.  She continued to tell me that it has been a bad year – she herself had open heart surgery in January. I had stopped loading my car by this time and focused on her. I told her she looked great and then thoughtfully asked “Could I pray with you?”  She reached out her hand as I asked her name and we prayed right there in the parking lot.

This woman was a total stranger to me. I simply listened to her share what was going on in her life. I couldn’t solve her problem but I offered what I had…a listening ear and a connection with The Father.  As she got into her car I reminded her that God would be with her and she replied, “God is good all the time”.

Back in my car I thought, “what just happened?”  Was I just used by God to lift up a sister in Christ?  I didn’t ask her about her faith. The conversation went so smooth and natural I was sure this interaction was a Divine appointment.  This wasn’t something I specifically prayed for that morning but God used me as an instrument of His grace and peace.

 

Psalm 43:3     Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!

Colossians 4:5–6     Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.