March 12, 2009

  • The Church and I: "Coincidence"?

    This is an old post I wrote about a year ago but never put up on Xanga: I'm adding it here to an old series I did titled "The Church and I"

    A few Sundays ago, I was driving to church while mulling over a tough decision I have to make. I have an opportunity to give to a charitable cause that is very important to me. However, to fulfill the need of that cause, I need to give much more money than I usually do. While I was driving, a Bible verse came to mind. It is Esther 4:14, and is not at all a verse about giving money. Mordecai is begging Esther to do something about the proposed slaughter of the Jewish people in Persia. He tells her the following:

    14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

    See, that isn't about donating money, is it? But for me, it somehow fit. I have recently been blessed with a good job, and it made me wonder, was this an "Esther" situation? That I had been given this good job so I would have the money to give? And even further, that God wants me to search out "Esther" situations, where my gifts and abilities make me the best fit for a job? Anyway, I meditated on the verse and realized that maybe I did indeed need to give. I then went inside to church.

    The pastor's sermon was on giving. And at the end, he quotes Esther 4:14. (play scary music). Just another coincidence that can be scientifically explained, right? Or not? As you can guess, though, I gave the money. Some coincidences are too strong to ignore.

Comments (11)

  • crazzzzzyyyy.  it seems to always happen like that.   it's just fate/destiny/everything happens for a reason type thing.......

    crazzzzzzyyy how the world works..........

  • I highly doubt it was coincidence if you believe in the Holy Spirit....
     I mean...coincidence with a touch of providence maybe ;)
    I love when stuff like this happens...
     It's our modern day "voice of God"

  • That is crazy! I've had that happen a couple times where I am trying to make a decision and then multiple things happen that push me one way or another.

    I've been thinking about giving lately. Just in general. We always have something to give not matter our financial situation. In college, I was lucky to be able to give friendship. Prior to the house, I was lucky to be able to give hand-me-downs to friends who were just starting out on their own and invite friends over for meals. Now, with the house, I am on the receiving end again but I hope to be able to be giving in some way soon. My nephew may be going to school at Ohio State next year and I would love to be able to give to him in some way. Whether it's a meal, a place to crash or even hand-me-down furniture/college stuff.

    I am amazed at how giving people are. (Not sure if that is a good or bad thing on my part).We had someone come to view the apt a week ago. As we explained to them our situation the man eagerly offered to run over and pick up some boxes for us. He didn't have to do it. He didn't know anything about us but was willing to  He offered it up and was happy to help. They were also the only couple to have the courtesy to notify us that they wouldn't be able to rent.

  • I don't believe anything happens by accident. I also think that it is impossible to outgive God. I think you did the right thing....... ~Echo

  • i don't believe in coincidences.

    great post. i have found that due to my recent raise, my opportunities to give have increased and I find that the fear of the economy is the biggest thing that holds me back - the moment I recognize that fear, I let the money go. because I don't give based on the projected economy. I give based on how the Lord has blessed me and what He asks me to do.

  • I love it! 

    Recently, I was asked if I intended to go on a short mission trip and I responded that I didn't have enough vacation time accrued (not to mention my terror of support raising).  I mentioned it in passing to my co-worker who keeps track of our vacation time and she said, "But you have all that carryover time from 2007."  Oh.  Then I got a check for half my support.  Oh all right, God.  I'll go. 

  • I believe we decide what's coincedence and what's a sign, and this particular sign lead to something very good, so who am I to decide it's just coincedence? =) Good for you for following your heart.

    And I would have been a little spooked too, haha.

  • to those that have more, more will be expected.  and really, how much do we actually need?

  • This warms my heart. It's right up my alley. I enjoyed further stories down in the comments. Funny how God works like that.

  • It is awesome how God brings about those situations to show us His will. Esther is an amazing book. :)

  • I don't think that was *just* a coincidence! God works all things for the good of those who love Him... and giving is not just about the good of the person/cause that is getting the money. I think we need to give.

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