“And by coincidence a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.” Luke 10:31 (NASB)
Have you ever said, “Wow, what a coincidence?”
Yesterday, I read a Christian book and learned about walking with God. I read how God takes us in the direction He knows is best. Additionally, when we walk with God, we can deepen our relationship with Him by sharing our hearts, submitting our fears, and even the areas where we lack faith and trust in Him.
As I read this, I thought,” Hmm, submit to God and build your relationship. It seems like everywhere I turn lately, I see the words ‘submit,’ ‘surrender,’ ‘let go,’ and ‘give it to God.’ This can’t be a coincidence.”
Then, today at church, my pastor gave the second part of a series on the “Keys to Fulfillment.” And I am not kidding, he pretty much gave the same lesson. My pastor explained that we find fulfillment by building our relationship with God. And we do that by “walking” with God and having heartfelt conversations with Him.
I had to step back in awe at how God works! When He needs my attention, He uses whatever means necessary: a book, a sermon, a devotional, a song, my Bible. When I start seeing the same messages or exact words repeatedly, I know God is trying to get my attention and teach me something. I know because there is no such thing as a coincidence.
Think about creation – could it really be a coincidence the world was created by random chance? Examine the intricacies of systems within an organism or the symbiosis you observe in nature. No, it’s just not possible!
Think about Jesus – Jesus fulfilled over 300 Old Testament prophecies. Is this a coincidence? No, God had a plan for our redemption the moment Adam and Eve bit into the forbidden apple. Proof: Jesus knew Judas would betray him. Jesus knew when and how He would die.
Recently, I have been studying the story of Esther. I wondered if it was just a coincidence that the king couldn’t sleep and, by chance, read the book of records to discover Mordecai’s past loyalty and heroic acts while Haman was plotting against Mordecai. Similarly, the timing of the king walking into the palace and seeing Mordecai begging Esther to save his life was no coincidence. God knew this would enrage him and make him act against Hamon. God had a plan for saving his people. And I am sure I could find countless other examples in the Bible.
Remarkably, the word ‘coincidence’ is used only once. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus said, “And by coincidence a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side” (Luke 10:31, NASB). The Greek word used here for coincidence is “synkyrian.” The two words “sun” and “kurios” make this word. “Sun” means “together with.” “Kurious” means “supreme in authority.” Thus, the word means “what occurs together by God’s providential arrangement of circumstances.” Pretty funny! Because this is the exact opposite of how we use the word coincidence today.
Nothing happens by chance, big or small. God orchestrates every tiny detail of our lives. He even knows the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30). God is in control of everything, and His purposes will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21).
Coincidences, then, are actually “God things:” Those repeated words or messages I’ve heard, the person He places in our path, the incredible timing, everything! Thus, we can treat every meeting and every person we meet as an opportunity to learn more about God or share His love.
Dear Heavenly Father, You are truly awesome! Your ways never cease to amaze me. Thank you for orchestrating every part of my life according to your good plans. The next time I think, “What a coincidence,” help me remember to replace those words with, “Thank you, God.” In Jesus’ Name, Amen
