What a Lucky Coincidence!

“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.’” (Isaiah 46:10)

If you read about our dog’s escapade yesterday, you will understand my appreciation of the coincidence that his “skunking” and drooling on the family room rug happened when it did. I hope the word coincidence grabbed your attention: I do not believe in luck nor coincidences.

 I set an agenda, not in stone, but a plan to bathe the dog and vacuum and shampoo the rug on Friday. The tasks aren’t big chores but combined are “enemies” of my knees. But an unexpected family need on the workday put my plan on hold. Had I bathed Scout and cleaned the rug when planned, I would have (without choice) had to repeat both tasks the next day. That was no “coincidence” but God’s timing and another of His unusual life lessons to share with others.

God-winks. I first heard the word in a movie (A God-wink Christmas) described as “An event or personal experience, often identified as coincidence, so astounding that it is seen as a sign of divine intervention, especially when in answer to a prayer.” The movie attributed God’s hand at work in the circumstances of two people’s lives, not a coincidence. Grant it, my “God-winks” were not astounding and not in answer to prayer, yet I acknowledged them as God’s handiwork. He loves me so much—His timing blessed me by taking care of little things in my life that made a big difference. My reference to God-wink about God’s activity may concern you. But if God laughs at the wicked (Psalm 37:13), can He not also “wink” at His children as He intervenes on their behalf, as if to say, “I’ve got you covered in this?” Almighty God knows all from before the beginning to the end and what hasn’t yet happened. His Word stands: He carries out His purposes. Nothing is too small or significant for our Father, who loves us.