Mere Coincidence or God's Blessing?

June 24, 2001

For instance, have you ever "just happened" to find a parking place in a crowded area? How about finding just the right item in a store and it "just so happened" to be on sale at half price?

A great blessing to me is a seamstress friend. She can sew and make anything. Was it just a coincidence that God brought her into my life? Hardly.

Was it just a coincidence that my dentist called last night to ask how I was feeling after a dental procedure? Not to me!

It surely was more than a coincidence when someone called to tell my husband his horses were out. When we arrived they were standing at the gate, patiently waiting for someone to open the gate so they could get back in.

We have a dear friend who "just so happened" to get an appointment with a noted oncology dermatologist in a very large city. The doctor successfully removed a severe cancer. (No coincidence here!)

Many years ago our middle son was in a butane explosion that could have blinded, scarred or even been fatal for him. The "just so happened" events were all in place to lead him to complete recovery, but that is another story.

There is a God in heaven who has, and is, incredible love. He is ever working all things for good to those "who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

I detect many of these "coincidences" in the lives of the ancient saints of old. The beautiful story of Ruth reveals many "coincidental" happenings regarding God's sovereign care. Ruth went to glean in the field and "just so happened" to be in Boaz's field. Boaz "just so happened" to be a close relative who became Ruth's kinsman redeemer.

I don't know if Ruth realized at the time the real impact of all of these seemingly "coincidences," but God had a larger purpose for her life.

Through the lineage of Ruth, Jesus was born. It may seem like a coincidence in the story of Queen Esther. The king "just so happened" to be unable to sleep and decided to review the history of his reign. He read of Mordecai, Queen Esther's uncle, who had exposed a plot to him of his planned assassination. This led to a series of events that ultimately saved the people of Israel.... another "just so happening?" I don't think so.

God works patiently and quietly throughout our lives. He arranges events to come together for our good and they are not just coincidences, but evidences of a loving God.

As you and I go about our daily lives, may we recognize God's many blessings and be grateful. To me, there is no such thing as more "luck" or "coincidences." Let us recognize and have faith that God is directing our lives for His purpose.

I shall never forget the day I walked into the Portales News-Tribune and asked if I might write a column. The rest is history. What a blessing it has been to me, to share my faith and "enlarge my territory." Most of my columns have been published in various other publications. I have been granted an opportunity to expand, hopefully improving writing skills. I am forever grateful for this "coincidence."

None of these events have really been coincidental, but blessings from an Almighty Creator.

By the way, I'm glad you're reading this. What a coincidence!