No mere coincidence

CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY

Religion Columnist

I believe God is sovereign. Indeed, He is the independent ruler of the universe, the Lord to whom I submit my life. I submit to His ultimate authority and I trust Him with all life’s situations.

That means I trust Him in those moments that confound me or prompt a pause — especially things that appear to be mere coincidence or happenstance.

I agree with my friend Squire Rushnell, who termed such things “God-Winks.”

Because God is sovereign, nothing occurs without His knowing. He’s aware of each detail.

Yes, I ponder with those who question: “What about horrific things?” or “What about grievous events?” Like Job in the Old Testament, life happens without our understanding, and God owes no one an explanation or teaching.

Life is just not that simple.

While God is all knowing and powerful, He is no puppet master dictating our every move.

We are accountable to Him, and answer for our choices and decisions.

He is so very specific. Scripture tells us He knows how many hairs are on our head, where we live, when we live and the number of our days. Certainly, He knows the pathway of our lives.

There is no such thing as a coincidence, because God uses even the small things. Think of the people you meet, the situations you find yourself in and the scheduling of your day.

People you encounter are your area of ministry. Situations become challenges of adversity or opportunities to bless others. Your schedule — especially the crazy changes beyond our control — are God’s way of moving us from one location and set of people to another, how He helps us clarify our priorities.

Have you been delayed by some unforeseen detail? Perhaps that’s God’s way of saving you from some problem. There was an occasion in my life when stopping to purchase a cup of coffee saved me and my husband from a horrific accident with a huge 18-wheeler.

Only God knew what was ahead on the road that day. His timing is specific.

Ask God to provide insight as we walk through the details of life. Look for His unique opportunities.

God has something particular with your name on it.

You live because there is a unique purpose for you. You can uniquely encourage someone today. Your smile may be what brightens their day. A kind greeting can make all the difference.

Be the coincidence in someone’s life and make that Godly difference for them. Until next week, Anita Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.