I love to share the story of my wife Elaine’s father’s journey to the USA from his native country of Sweden. When he arrived at the port in England to board the ship he was notified that a mistake had occurred in his paperwork. The confusion resulted in his coming to America on the Franconia rather than the Titanic! Had my father-in-law’s original plans worked out I would never have had the opportunity of marrying Elaine, my wife of more than 60 years, since his ticket to the USA would have put him in steerage—a part of the ship where virtually no one survived the sinking.Recently, I experienced a far less dramatic coincidence. I was attempting to help some Christian leaders in Indiana who had a ministry in a relatively small city in Mexico. My network of contacts included the name of a person in the US that I thought might be able to point me in the right direction. To my amazement, when I dialed his number, he answered his phone and informed me that at that very moment he was in that very city in Mexico. Furthermore, he was very familiar with the ministry the church in Indiana was involved with!
These and other stories I could share illustrate the reality of God’s presence and the extent to which He participates in human affairs. This reality differs greatly from the common notion of God as a distant, impersonal observer whose primary role is to find fault with human behavior. The truth is, God is an active participant in every aspect of His creation. Notice how Jesus described this reality in the words of Matthew:
Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows (Matthew 10:29-31).
God’s sovereignty tells us that He is ultimately in charge of everything. In a more personal sense, it is also about the constancy of His awareness and care for us—a reflection of the reality of His active participation and control. Notice how I frame this truth in Principle #23 in Acts in my Life Essentials Study Bible:
When events happen that are difficult to accept and understand, we must remember that God is sovereign and ultimately in control of our lives.
As God reminds us of His loving presence—sometimes through unexpected, seemingly coincidental circumstances—let’s remember to thank Him for the way He keeps watch over our lives. |
4 Comments on “What Coincidences Teach Us about God”
I am soon to be 70 but one year ago I suffered a debilitating injury that has left me in chronic pain ever since. I’ve begun to get quite depressed and just this morning spent about 45 minutes describing to my husband how worthless and depressed I am starting to feel. Many months ago my Godly physical therapist informed me of Gene Getz planned speaking on this date at his church. I had no idea, of course, that when I attended services as a guest this morning Dr. Getz would be preaching on Elijah’s depression! Quite a “coincidence”! I am very anxious now to get a copy of the Life Essentials Bible that he had in church this morning. My injuries makes it difficult to read and this Bible I think will help me get back into God’s word for study again. Thank You, God for today’s coincidence.
Every time there are a a seemingly coincidental event… I pause and look up! Gene, you are so right on.
I love this Bible. I make an investment of 4 books at a time and give one to each person that I encounter who are seeking, but are still on the fence… Then when I run out of Bibles, my husband drives to your church and picks up 4 more! He even has the honor of visiting with you!
Gene, I’ve listened to you on the radio for years, then you came to our church, where I was able to purchase my Bible and meet you… You were so kind to sign my Bible!
May God richly bless your efforts and vision for this Bible getting it into many hands that need it. Amen
Good morning. I am Arthur Ndlovu from South Africa. I am more interested in teachings pertaining to God’s coincidences.
Once I was in Ireland visiting a friend who worked at the Polish Embassy. He and his mother took me to the train station to spend a day in Cork, Ireland with one of their friends. At the end of the day, I was walking toward the train to board for the return trip and right before I boarded, I noticed a young student on the bench at the station. After I boarded, that young student had left his bench to come get me. He told me that I boarded the wrong train (when he was sitting on the bench he saw the ticket in my hand). Without a shadow of a doubt, I knew God and His angels were watching over me. How many people notice other people’s train tickets in their hand and see that that person is boarding the wrong train. All God’s miracles great and small!