Part 2 of Stinky Strikes Again

“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 today why I thanked God for the coincidence of Scout’s “skunking” and drooling on the family room rug happening when it did. I hope the words lucky and coincidence grabbed your attention: I do not believe in luck or coincidences. Chance plays no part in life’s sweet smells or stinkiness—God holds everything and allows what He pleases.

I planned to bathe Scout, vacuum, and shampoo the rug at the end of the week. The tasks aren’t big chores but combined are “enemies” of my knees. But an unexpected family need put my plan on hold. Had I bathed Scout and cleaned the rug when planned, I would have (without choice) had to repeat the tasks the next day. That was no “coincidence,” and “luck” had nothing to do with God’s timing and another of His unique life lessons.

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 rather than a coincidence. Grant it, my dog and rug “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 that made a big difference.

My reference to God winking about His 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; what hasn’t yet happened doesn’t take Him by surprise. God’s Word stands: He honors what He says and carries out His purposes. Nothing is too insignificant or gigantic for our Father, who loves us immensely.