Coincidence...

Coincidence... Chance... Luck... Circumstance... Whatever you wish to call it, many of us use it to define our lives. It's like the game Yahtzee. In the game, a turn consists of 3 chances to roll 5 dice and make various combinations of numbers. After each roll, you're allowed to choose which numbers you wish to keep and then roll the remaining dice to try to improve your result.

Certain results earn more points than others, the most difficult result being 5 of the same number. That's called Yahtzee, hence the name of the game. I could count on one hand the number of times in my life I've rolled Yahtzee on the first roll. That's practically impossible, and it's not much easier to do it in 3 rolls.

Many people view life like the game Yahtzee. They see everything significant happening as coincidence or chance. I don't buy it. Rolling dice is one thing, but life is full of too many variables that have to line up for chance to be involved. Whether you're talking about the origin of the universe or the development of a relationship, it's much more than a roll of the dice. A recent experience reinforced this truth. Allow me to share.

I wanted it more than anything I've ever wanted in my life. And I thought God had told me it was mine to receive. When it didn't happen, I was left stunned and despairing. I was confused and still am. What did I do wrong? Did I misunderstand? Was my prayer answered in a way so unexpected that I haven't seen it yet?

I've just come through a rough period in my life. I seem to talk about it all the time, but that's the way it is with powerful experiences, especially the ones that draw you closer to God. This is where the word "coincidence" comes in. I don't believe in it.

While I was in the midst of my trouble, there were numerous times that just the right scripture was brought to my attention, or just the right song was sung, or just the right word was spoken to me. I remember some distinct examples:

At the beginning of my trouble, I was in a Bible study. Painful thoughts and confusion were dominating my heart and mind, making it difficult to participate. Then Psalm 37 was shared.

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Shortly after that I was overwhelmed and broken with the despair. In the midst of the worst grief I've ever felt, these words came through a song:

O rest in the Lord.
Wait patiently for Him,
and He shall give thee thy hearts desires.
Commit thy way unto Him and trust in Him.

Next, during a worship service the song "Praise You In This Storm" was used in a video:

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

When I returned home to Knoxville, I went through the weekly bulletins to see what music had been used recently. I was shocked to see the song "You Were There." Someone had used it at exactly the time God was using it to comfort me in my situation.

You were there
You were there
In the midst of the unclear
You were there
You were there always
You were there when obedience
Seemed to not make sense
You were there
You were always there
You were always there

At the very moment of my need He was here... and He was there.

Several days ago I was thinking about it all... and the pain returned.... As I drove and thought, another song came on the radio:

You're not alone
For I am here
Let me wipe away your every fear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest night
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life
All of your life

It's difficult for me to fully express the moments these examples represent. Many people will stubbornly hold to the idea of coincidence in each of them. But my own personal experience is undeniable. Time after time, when I most needed it, just the right message was given. It wasn't chance, luck or even circumstance. Only a loving Father could accomplish that. He has continually been with me... supporting... comforting... reassuring...

He is real. He is active. He is available. He is love. He is forgiveness. He is here for you.