|
| Merely coincidence? |
|
| |
Some think life is a series of random coincidences. Sadly, there are even many Christians who believe this. For the Christian, where’s the joy in believing that way? To say that either God isn’t omniscient (everywhere at once – see Jeremiah 23:24) or active in his omniscience (see Romans 8:28) is to directly contradict the Bible. God was active in my life today, and I am blessed to be able to share two distinct examples.
This morning, an hour before church, I was expecting someone to call me back on my cell phone. Ok, I thought, I’d better make sure I don’t miss that call when it comes. So I turned the volume all the way up on my phone. Then I forgot all about it. I ended up taking my cell phone to church, volume on full, and had it in my pocket the entire service. No, I didn’t turn it off or silence it. Fortunately the call didn’t come during the sermon!!!
Right after church we attended a special prayer meeting, to pray about some very solemn and emotional matters. In the middle of prayer, it suddenly dawned on me that my cell phone was still on, and set at full volume! Without a sound I quickly took the phone out, put it into “silent mode” (or vibrate), and returned it to my pocket unbeknownst to anyone present. It was less than 30 seconds later that the expected call came! I shook my head as the phone vibrated silently and harmlessly in my pocket, realizing that the Holy Spirit had prompted me to silence the phone ahead of time so as not to disturb an emotional prayer session.
Then later in the afternoon the kids and I were helping out with the church service at the assisted living center. Today was Communion Sunday. I set up the tray of juice cups ahead of time, estimating but not counting the number of cups needed. One of the key points in the sermon was taken from Deuteronomy 30:19-20, “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God.” Following the sermon was Communion. After passing out the Communion elements, there were three leftover cups of juice. That’s good, at least I hadn’t underestimated the number needed!
However, just before the preacher proceeded with the remainder of the service, a woman who had been sitting off to the side with two other people (yep, a group of three) approached to request that she too be permitted to take communion. I thought, isn’t that amazing, three extra cups remained, one for each of these women. And just like in life, where God has made perfect provision for the salvation of each individual that lives on this planet, only certain ones choose to approach him for it.
Were either of these occurrences coincidence? I know they weren’t. Both happened for a purpose. The first preserved the atmosphere of our prayer meeting and the second reinforced valuable scriptural truth. And BOTH occurrences glorified God. (This blog is proof of that!) Furthermore, I know these weren't mere coincidences because I understand God to be both omniscient and active. Always working for the good of those who love him and are called by him. Amen!!
|
|
| To add a comment to "Merely coincidence?" |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| September 09, 2007 |
 |
|
|
| star now...read later :-) |
|
|
| September 09, 2007 |
|
|
|
Were either of these occurrences coincidence? I know they weren’t.
Mike you gotta know what ya know.... there ain't no such thing as coincidence in His Kingdom. It's really called a relationship. Yeah, a relationship, my guide, protector, provider, inspirer, oh yes, a relationship - intimacy.
Two weeks ago we had our Saturday morning monthly service, and while on the way there I said to Ken, honey this car don't sound right. Now I know nothing about cars..... except to put key in and go, but I tell you it just didn't feel right. On the way home, Ken asked me if I wanted to drive back home, I love driving, but this time I said no. I drove, I prayed. Ken agreed there might be something wrong. He told me to wait until Monday and take the car to the shop.
The next day, Sunday, was to be a really heavy day, several things to do, and places to go. Without realizing, meaning it wasn't pre-thought, I got in the car and drove to the mechanic, even though Ken said wait until Monday. After putting the Jeep up on the thingy.... I don't know what its called, Roy, the mechanic said, it bad, really bad. I told him, not a problem I bring the car back tomorrow and he can do what he needs to do. He then told me, no you won't, I'm not letting you get back in this car. It's too dangerous. I only wish I could explain what he told me, it had something to do with the front in, the tires, and kind of ball something or other.... in other words, the car was about to fall on the wheels.
If I had waited until Monday morning, in rush hour traffic, he said I could have had a terrible accident, probable getting seriously hurt.
Was this occurrence a coincidence? I know it wasn't, It's my relationship with God who always walks ahead of me.
Pastor Aminata |
|
|
| September 09, 2007 |
|
|
|
Now this is when I wish the was a way to edit stuff. Correction. Ken drove, I prayed.
Misspelled probably. What can I say, sometimes, I think my eyes are older than the rest of me.
Pastor Aminata |
|
|
| September 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
Pastor Aminata, that's a great story too!! I'll bet us believers who look for God's active hand in our lives see it often! And I'll bet we could share tons of encouraging stories of this from our experiences. You've done that and I thank you! I'd love to see more good stories of circumstances that were more than just a coincidence.
Thank you Pastor Tim. The word trust has come to my mind too. God reinforces our trust when we are permitted to see his hand in action, doesn't he? I've found that trusting God becomes easier when our eyes truly are on him.
Zach, that's trust! |
|
|
| September 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
I didnt read thisd but i felt like commenting so here u go
MERRY CHRISTMAS |
|
|
| September 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
Hmmm... is it a coincidence that I am reading this and writing?
Just kidding... good to see you are out here doing your thing!
Dr. W. |
|
|
| September 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
Mike...God's soveriegnty and provision are always amazing. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. It is always so humbling to know that God is the One working and I am the one He's working through. Not my might, but His.
Soli Deo Gloria! |
|
|
| September 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
Another good one Mike. I learned from this that if a person's cell phone goes off durin church that he/she isn't in tune with God. Because God probably tried to tell them ahead of time to put it on vibrate and they couldn't hear him. |
|
|
| September 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
Mike, stuff like this happens to me ALL the time. It's so cool, and totally NOT coincidence! Thanks for sharing. |
|
|
| September 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
| Another good one Mike. I don't believe in cooincidences. I believe in GODincidences. Also, if we just learn to listen to that little voice that speaks to us, (holy spirit), we could save ourselves a lot of problems. But we have to tune in and listen. |
|
|
| September 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
Mike... your blogs are always so good... i realy enjoyed this one... i love hearing the "little" things that GOD does for us... because they are never little... they are tied in to such a bigger plane and its so kind of GOD to let us in and let us see for a second that expansion of HIS deeds!!!
LOVE and Blessings to you and Laura!!! |
|
|
| September 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
read it. It's awsome and now making that 18 inch trip from my head to my heart.
Thanks Mike |
|
|
| September 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
Mike,
Well once more you have shown that God is at work in the Earth. I know that God is doing things through people that are not "just because" all of the time; however one must be in tune with the Spirit to recognize God moving and then to glorify Him. Thanks for the blog!
~Jeremy |
|
|
| September 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
Danny,
I loved your blog about God's provision, somewhat miraculous in your case. Some might try to call that a coincidence. Uh, nice try, but I don't think so. :-)
Jeremy,
In my experience what you say has often been shown to be true, "one must be in tune with the Spirit to recognize God moving." That's some wisdom my friend.
Dave, I wish more would make that 18 in. trip in my own case!
Heather, writer of fun, imaginative poetry and colorful blogs. Thank you for the compliment and well wishes!
Deb, it's a joy to hear from you, thanks for your comment! Yes like Jeremy says also, we have to be in tune to recognize "GODincidences" (interesting term - yours?).
Thank you Candice, Billy Ray, and Zach. Yes Z, it never ceases to amaze me that he works through me. Seeing and recognizing are such a joy!
Dr Wilson, nice face paint. :-) Thanks for the comment!
Hey, Kid w/Long Hair, Christmas is still 3 mos. away, but I'll accept the greeting any day of the year! |
|
|
| September 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
| Amen Carrie Ann! [coincidence, randomness, accident, chance] = [meaninglessness, emptiness] ... Not for me either! |
|
|
| September 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
Mike, All you need to do is to download a praise song as your ringtone. So when your phone goes off during church, everyone can still worship :) I have "I am a friend of God" on my phone. Now who's gonna get mad about my phone ringing?
I do believe the Spirit will prompt us in these things. What proof that He is living, breathing and ever present within us! |
|
|
| September 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
That is a great idea Sue. Except I suspect that when that phone starts ringing while Mark is preaching, it won't matter what the ringtone is, I'll probably get "the look". Soooo, I'll just try harder next time to remember to keep that phone off! lol
I actually don't get along at all with cell phones. Maybe a praise song is exactly what I need. :-) |
|
|
| September 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
| I am reminded of a news story that happened during the tragic bridge collaspe in the Minneapolis/St Paul area. A local news reporter had headed home from the office a little early. He made the statement on the news that had he stayed at the office and went home at his normal time, he would have been on that very bridge that had collapsed. Do you think God had spoken to him that day?? |
|
|
| September 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
| Absolutely spot on! That's our omniscient, triune God at work. |
|
|
| September 11, 2007 |
|
|
|
| Matthew -- I see that as highly plausible. Beverley -- thank you!! |
|
|
| September 11, 2007 |
|
|
|
Mike,
I wonder if that exchange of cell phone messages was our exchange. I will assume it was. I wanted very much to talk to you that morning but as you know, God keeps me very busy on Sunday, just as He keeps you busy. In fact, that was one of the busiest Sundays I have experienced for quite awhile. Anyway, I am glad your day worked out well. So did mine. And thanks again for another timely blog. You have a gift and we are grateful to you for sharing it with so many. Your Mom and I very proud of you. Give our best to Laura, and the children. |
|
|
| September 11, 2007 |
|
|
|
| whoa, hey Dad! That's your first comment ever, isn't it? Cool!!! And thanks!! (yes, it was your call that came in the middle of our prayer meeting... but it's ok, God was watching out for me!) |
|
|
| October 04, 2007 |
|
|
|
| Keep looking for God everywhere? Absolutely! Thanks Kim. And what an exciting little story! |
|
|
Follow this blog
