Coincidental Happenstances or Divine Appointments

Every so often, you come into a situation that, when you look back on it, has to be divine appointment rather than coincidental happenstance. I was talking about this very thing the other day to my friend, John, who lost his son Troy in an accident earlier this summer. Several things have happened after Troy’s death than can not be explained other than to say they are divine encounters – God-ordained meetings. To me it is always such a delight to remember the little things that we often consider a strange coincidence (A song comes on the radio about a the crystal throne in the middle of New Mexico and exactly that moment the sun bursts through a break in the dark sky and beams of light shine out in glory.) but in all reality, are God-appointed moments that warm our spirits if we take the moment to notice them. Then there are meetings which are often missed because we are too busy and too much about out daily routine that we miss those. I am so guilty of that. But today was an opportunity taken and I was encouraged by it.

At the house we have one of those lawn companies come and do something to make our lawn weed free and green. The guy came today and was working on it and noticed Ev’s shirt which had Hebrew writing on it. In the end, he ended up coming inside and praying with Denny and Ev and leaving so encouraged. They told him about IHOP and he found his way over where he crossed my path. The guy was young and really passionate and excited about changing his life and living for the Lord. We had a great chat and I was so encouraged to speak with him. The funny thing is that he was the lead singer of a recently disbanded band and was friends with some of my Grace friends who were also in similar bands. Small world. As he was leaving, he said that this was something he needed and that he was so glad he was able to meet Denny and Ev and then me. I was just glad I was not so busy that I forgot about doing one of the most important things – being friendly and stopping to talk. I know to many of you that sounds so basic… but being the focused person I am, to me that is a big deal.

God is working on me to go out of my way to talk to people. It’s easy to smile, be friendly and make surface conversation – I have that down pretty well. There is no chance with God… only opportunities. I can either miss them or grab on to them.