There are no accidents. I don't mean the kind you can have in your car. Sadly, those are all too common. No- I mean the other kind. Those moments in life when you do something at a particular time, for a particular reason that even you yourself can't figure out the significance of until later. The unbelievers in the world would call them "coincidences". But we know better.....
I had two such occurrences this week. Awhile back I was in one of my favorite bookstores in Raleigh- Lifeway. I went in search of something to help a family member who is grieving. Well- in a Christian bookstore there are literally dozens of such books. And they all look good. And they all sound good from reading the back or the inside cover. That's the problem. How to narrow the field....I finally just gave up and prayed this prayer "Lord- you know which of these is the best book. You know the heart of my family member. Pick the right book that will bring the exact words that she needs to hear". And not before long I walked out with 2 in my hand. One, a brief little book that could be read in a sitting, and the other which would require some time to get through. My mom wanted to read through them first to see if she thought they would be a good fit for the recipient. I didn't tell her about the prayer that had decided the selection. After reading them, my mom said the books had absolutely the right tone. Not too preachy, not too religiously dogmatic, and full of practical advice and counsel. To which I replied "Of course, they are perfect for her. God who knows her heart selected them." And then I shared how these 2 books walked out the door with me.....I am confident that both books will bring the solace that is badly needed. How could they not? I had nothing to do with it, but in His wise counsel, God provided the best possible choices.
The other occurrence had to do with an e-mail I had been mulling over that I felt compelled to send to a friend. This was one of those situations where you know someone is hurting over something and you feel the need to reach out and offer support for a difficult decision they have made. I waited several days before sitting down to compose the letter and then send it. I heard back from my friend almost immediately and she thanked me for my concern and said that my letter was so very timely that she believed that I was meant to speak the words I did to her and that she was meant to hear them at exactly that moment. I also recommended a book to her that seemed to fit her current situation and she expressed an interest in reading it. I have no doubt whatsoever, that if she does follow through and read it, she will be amazed at the wisdom it offers. Life changing would not necessarily be too strong a description.
So there you have it. Two examples of God's grace and loving provision. What a privilege that He allows us to have a small role in His work. A very wise friend of mine says that God doesn't need our help to do anything, but he delights in allowing us to share in His work. I can think of no better use for our time......Shalom
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