The more of life I experience, the less I believe in coincidence and the more I see the hand of the Almighty God at work. Some refer to these works as God-incidences.Though I appreciate the play on words, I think this grossly undervalues the intimate involvement God the Father has with His creation at all times and in all ways. A better term would be Divine Intervention.
Last evening as temperatures soared I set about baking bread for Sunday's church communion. In my un-air-conditioned home.
I was hot. I was sticky, And as has been much the case since January, I found myself missing my dear friend and running companion who'd moved to Illinois seven months ago. As I went to remove the freshly baked bread from the oven I reached for my oven mitts when I remembered the beautiful teal-colored mitts I'd received from her family for my birthday. I've kept them out for show, but I had the idea of using them then and sending her a picture of the moment. And so began the following text exchange:
This afternoon, I received this text from Illinois:
Some might say this was merely coincidence; that the song "Blessed Be the Tie That Binds" is a common song and there is nothing unusual about it being sung on a Sunday morning. Some might even go so far as to say God has a lot more important things to do than pick a hymn. I respectfully say - you're wrong! :p (Well, maybe that emoticon wasn't all that respectful).
God, Almighty, Infinite, Eternal, Omniscient, Omnipresent, created the heavens and the earth and all that dwells there, down to the tiniest detail. He came down from heaven in the person of Jesus to conquer sin and death so we might live with Him forever. God didn't knock over s cosmic domino a few thousand years ago to let things fall where they may. He takes an active interest and care in the daily lives of His creation.
If you're not sure about this, listen to what Jesus had to say about it:
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29-31)
Yesterday, I was prompted by the Spirit to grab the pretty, teal oven mitts and text a picture to my friend. A few days ago, or even a week ago a pastor or worship leader in Illinois was prompted by the Spirit to include "Blessed Be the Tie That Binds" in their service today. Through these independent acts two friends were reminded their Father in heaven has their back. And God was given the glory for the blessing He gave us.
There are countless blessings we experience each day totally unaware and so we miss out on the comfort that comes from knowing there is someone bigger, smarter, stronger than us who is taking care of things so we don't have to. If we pay attention - with our eyes, our ears, and our souls - He will show us the many wonders He has done and is doing. He will reveal the many moments of His Divine Intervention.
"God is always doing 10,000 things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them."
-John Piper
"But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people have longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it." (Matthew 13:16-17)
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