Coincidence VS Providence
I think one of the most amazing debates in Christian circles is the idea of God’s Providence – in other words, that God has detailed plans for our lives. Some may suggest that God has limited involvement and that your life experiences are a series of random instances that put your story in its place (coincidence). And others believe that God has chosen your path and you have no choice in the matter. But I believe that the Bible teaches us that God is directing the steps of our lives and providing for everything along the journey – that’s called providence!
I think that Proverbs 16 answers this age old discussion. Listen to a few of the verses.
Proverbs 16:3: “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”
Proverbs 16:9: “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”
Proverbs 16:33: “We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.”
Here’s what I believe: God is providentially working in our lives for His Glory. Listen to Psalm 37:23: “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” The Lord does two things for us (1) He directs – he leads us to the right places, people & positions. (2) He delights – every single thing about us brings him joy. Why? God created us to bring him glory.
Your life is NOT a coincidence! God has providentially created you for a purpose! There is something you are designed to do that no one else is able to do. Find it. Refine it. Accomplish it.