no coincidence

the view from the top of my apartment building

So I've been driving a lot lately, therefore I've been listening to a lot of NPR.  For some reason I love NPR, the stories are so borderline boring that they are interesting.  There was an entire story the other day on a category on craigslist that was for people to post descriptions of people they saw on the street or talked to one day for a few seconds and wanted to meet again.  A chance encounter or glance that they thought might be more, their only chance at making a connection.

NPR did it again. The story struck me.  How powerful can just being in a certain place at a certain time be? How important is just "being there" to your story? Or maybe someone else's?

I don't believe that our God is a God of coincidence.  I am thankful for the way he orchestrates my life.  I don't think that there is such a thing as "chance encounters".  I believe that God has a beautiful way of stringing everything together and making it all work, all function, all happen for His glory.  I'm thankful for being able to be a part of such a beautiful picture.

The other day I was walking downtown when a lady asked me for some bus money.  I was with a friend and selfishly busy and told her that I didn't think so.  Without even taking a break in step.  I got about 5 steps when God yelled at me to stop, turn around, talk to her.  I told me friend, sorry but I have to go back.  We turned around and I asked the lady how much she needed.
Fifty cents.
Fifty cents was all she needed.
I gave it to her and she began to tell me about how her back was out and could not walk home anymore, therefore needing bus money.  Immediately, I had a heart for this woman.  I told her Jesus loved her and was about to ask if I could pray for her, when she screamed out in joy, "I know, and He is coming back for me."  I was floored by this woman's passion for the Lord through all of her struggles and situation.  She faithfully loved the Lord, through it all.  She believed.  But most of all she encouraged me.

That was not a "chance encounter" or a coincidence.  God placed her there in my life.  I am thankful for her and for the beautiful way God weaves together my story for his amazing glory.

I can't wait to see who else I will meet and what other people will come into my life, in all places, at all times, for Him.