Coincidence or Providence?
This devotional was written by Leslie Snyder
Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? —Job 38: 4-7
It is a common understanding among elementary school students in our area that all it takes for there to be enough snow to call for a snow day is for all the students at bedtime to wear their pajamas inside out and sleep with a spoon under their pillows. Some fifth grade students even made the news after a huge snowfall occurred the night the entire class agreed to do this.
Some things like this happen by chance or coincidence, but not so with God. God is the ultimate Creator and Designer of the universe. In Job 38, we read how God answered Job and his friends’ complaints about just how much Job has suffered. After all, Job suffered the loss of his children, property, and even his own health. Surely, he had the right to complain, didn’t he? God argues otherwise. God, not Job, not his friends, nor us today, is in control.
Life can be confusing and we, like children, can also be desperate to use our own means to change a situation. But, we would do better to remember that God keeps all things in His power and His control. Nothing happens without his knowing. Therefore, when we hope at times for a coincidence, the real answer is to trust in God’s providence. Proverbs 3: 5-6 reads, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
God is trustworthy! His providential hand is at work changing lives and leading each of us if we will only surrender to Him. Come, join Him on the journey… and, you won’t even have to wear your pajamas inside out!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Who or what are you trusting with the details of your life?
2. Are you going through life just hoping things will work out or have you chosen to trust in God for His direction?
FURTHER READING:
John 15: 1-8; Psalm 8
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