Coincidence Not

Ever have moments which cause you to reflect
on an event in your life which seems to happen
by coincidence?








Or, is it possibly something much more than
that? Perhaps there's some nagging suspicion
deep within your soul that it is not merely by
chance you've suddenly experienced a feeling,
a thought, or even met a person which in some
way prompts you to pause and introspectively
reflect on the deeper magnitude of that moment.

Due to that feeling, thought, or personal encounter,
you abruptly may have changed direction in your
actions only to learn later the course correction worked
out much to your benefit.

As way of personal example, I recall several instances in
my life whereby events took place that in lookingback
now from a Christian perspective, I honestly believe
were not only coincidences - but were examples of God
reaching out to me in attempts to get my attention:

• Saving me from any physical harm during a rainy
  night when my automobile spun out of control
  across three lanes of the freeway while
  completely missing all of the surrounding
  cars.
  
  
• The sudden halting of a thunderstorm
  replaced with the radiant sunshine at the
  moment of my first born child's arrival into
  this world.
  
  
• The day I met my future wife, time seemed
  to slow down and all around her there seemed
  to be a tunnel of light which obscured my periphery
  to whereby I could only focus on her approach.
  
  
• Delivery from difficult work settings
  which never felt quite right to now become a life
  of balance and purpose.
  
  
• Finding a church home filled with a
  Christian family who are grounded in the Spirit
  and promoting genuine,supportive fellowship.
  
  
• Meeting various Christ filled people
  over the years who by their actions or words
  caused me to pause and consider the
  alternative to the lifestyle I gladly
  now can claim as "former".
  
  
• Any many more other instances...
  
  
  Like ripples in a pond, those events I originally thought
  were just coincidences, were far more compelling and
  had an additive effect to me becoming acutely aware
  I was not in control of my life like I outwardly thought.
  
  I believe they were the hand of God knocking at my
  heart - letting me know I am loved and that there
  is a special relationship that was waiting for me
  when I decided to accept the offer.
  
  The offer I speak of is accepting Jesus Christ as
  my Lord and Savior and trusting in him to guide
  me to my life's true sense of purpose & fulfillment.
  
  With that decision entered a whole new world for
  me which those so called "coincidences" I now
  know are not, greatly accelerated.
  
  Old habits I had struggled with for years melted
  away - not all of a sudden - but the desire to
  continue to maintain those spiritually unhealthy
  routines just dissipated.
  
  I now look back with amazement that it was just
  that easy - if only I had answered God's call earlier.
  
  But, as I've been told from early childhood, everything
  happens for a reason and on its old time table.
  
  So, for all those out there who find this story & consider
  their own set of "coincidences", I encourage you to seek
  out your very own invitation to a truly rewarding sense
  of loving purpose.
  
  You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain.
  
  
  

  And we know that God causes all things to work
  together for good to those who love God, to those
  who are called according to His purpose.
  
  Romans 8:28