When Coincidences are Really God-incidences

Friend To Friend

Have you ever had a set of circumstances in your life that were so unexpected and so convoluted that you knew there was no other way it could have happened except by divine appointment? Heather certainly did. She and her family lived in North Dakota, hundreds of miles from their hometown.  After her grandmother died and her mother-in-law hospitalized for triple by-pass surgery, she longed to move closer to her extended family in Arkansas.  After applying for a transfer, her husband Bob was chosen for a job in Little Rock.  They packed up their three boys, Robert, Cameron, and Caleb and headed east.

During a routine eye exam of their oldest son, Robert, the optometrist discovered a bulging optic nerve.  He was then referred to an ophthalmologist at Saline Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.  A CAT scan showed that fifteen-year-old Robert had a brain tumor.  They were then instructed to take Robert to Arkansas Children’s Hospital.  Dr. Burson, one of the neurosurgeons, was there waiting for them.

An MRI showed that the tumor appeared to have tentacles wrapped around the brain stem and needed to be removed right away. If the tentacles were intertwined around the brain stem, and if the stem was damaged during the resection and removal of the tumor, there was a chance that Robert would not be able to walk or talk after surgery.  The doctor assured the weary parents that he would do his best to remove the tumor without damaging the brain stem, but there was a risk.

Friends and family rallied around this little family with prayer and support. A man who worked with Heather at Family Life Today was a great source of encouragement. “Sandy had been diagnosed with a brain tumor years earlier,” Heather explained.  “He came to encourage Robert that night in the hospital.  It was so encouraging to see a man who had undergone brain surgery walking and talking normally.  The Lord used him and his story to fill our hearts with great hope.”

Then another burst of hope came through an email.  The son of a woman who also worked with Heather also had a brain tumor removed by the same neurosurgeon that would be removing Robert’s.  “Dr. Burson studied under one of the greatest neurosurgeons in the country,” she began.  “And he is a follower of Jesus Christ too.”

The next morning Robert was taken into surgery.  Hours later, the smiling doctor reported that the tumor had been safely removed and the tentacles had not yet wrapped around the brain stem as the MRI had suggested.

God had orchestrated the Molden family’s move from North Dakota to Arkansas at just the right time.  He knew the tumor was there.  He knew one of the best neurosurgeons in the country was there. This was no coincidence but a God-incident.  Initially, they moved across the country to be closer to extended family.  But the reality is that God moved them there to take care of one of their greatest treasures…Robert, their son. 

Would God do that for one single family in Little Rock, Arkansas?  Absolutely.  There are no insignificant children in God’s family. 

The mother in Matthew 15 discovered that as well.  Just as Jesus “had to go to Samaria,” I believe that he had to go to Tyre.  You see, there was this woman there.  A woman who had cried out to God for the life of her child.  And on God’s kingdom calendar, written on Jesus’ celestial day timer, her name appeared.

Neither Matthew (Matthew 15) nor Mark (Mark 7) tell us of any other activity that occurred in Tyre.  As far as we know, Jesus didn’t come in contact with any other residence or perform any other miracles.  Would Jesus go through all that trouble for one woman and her little girl?  You betcha. That’s how significant God’s daughters are to Him.

We don’t know this Canaanite woman’s name.  But here’s the thing.  Jesus knew her name.  Jesus knew her address.  Jesus knew her need.  And sister, he knows your name, your address and your need as well.  No matter what you may think of yourself, Jesus thinks you are worth the trip!

As someone once said, “If God had a wallet, your picture would be in it.” Each and every one of us has great significance to the Father who cares for us as if we were His only child. If you have ever felt insignificant in your little part of the world, know that nothing could be further from the truth. God treasures you, my friend.  You are important to Him.

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, I know that there is no such thing as co-incidences in my life. Help me to see the God-incidences that occur every day.  My eyes are watching.  My ears are listening. I don’t want to miss it.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Have you ever had a set of circumstances that had God’s fingerprints all over them?  Twists and turn that only He could have orchestrated?

If so, write out a prayer of thanksgiving for how He has worked in your life. 

Testimonies of how God has worked in your life might be just what someone needs to hear today. I’d love to hear how God has worked in your life.  You could be the very person God will use to encourage me today.  Log onto www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes and share one of your  God-incidences.

Today’s story was taken from Sharon’s book, What God Really Thinks about Women: Finding Your Significance through the Women Jesus Encountered.  Through the miracles and messages of Jesus we see how He came to set women free from an oppressive society and into a new life of purpose. Be prepared to fall in love with Jesus all over again! You can also watch a video about the book on the bookstore page.