It just so happens…

Do you ever have those ‘it just so happens…’ moments? Like, it just so happens that you were at that one place that one time and then those couple of people were there and you couldn’t believe it?? Or you heard about a great new shop opening up so you went to check it out, and it just so happens… You know what I mean – those little…

‘coincidences’? Or those things that you just KNOW are God, but everything inside of you wants to say it’s just a ‘coincidence’? A few weeks ago, one of my sweet Bible study girls was telling us about an instance where she really knew in her heart that she’d prayed for super-natural strength to sustain her through a job task… and low and behold it happened! She knew that power was from Him… and He gave her even more than she asked for to not only complete the task, but to exceed the limit that she was supposed to finish – only God.

While she was telling us about it I realized something that she did, I do all the time… I know God is giving me strength to do something, or showing me something through someone, etc, but when it comes to telling others about it and sharing, I do what my friend did, she began to try and reason what had happened. It was so personal for me to watch her begin that process and to realize that I try to reason what I KNOW was/is God working through me. What about you? Do you try to make it be a, ‘it just so happens…’?

The guys and I are in Florida for the week serving with some great folks who are a part of SLU – check them out: www.slulead.com – and we had the chance to worship at FBC Orlando on Sunday. It was ginormous. A couple of thousand people filled pews, the choir loft, the hallways, the student building… amazing.  I didn’t wanna miss singing ‘nothing but the blood’ (one of my favs) so I motored to the front of our group and squeezed all four of us on a pew between some nice folks.

After being misty-eyed and the four of us clapping louder than anyone for the choir special, the sermon began. Community. He talked about a man losing his wife in their church and how his life group had been ministering to him. I guess the man beside me heard me get checked up about it, so he leaned in and said, ‘He’s talking about me. I’m Ron.’ I grabbed Mr. Ron’s arm and squeezed with that good, southern ‘I’m in your corner’ squeeze. It just so happens…

Mr Ron lost his wife last week. Pray for him. While I tried to share my sympathy, he quickly corrected me with a smile and reminded me that it was a celebration, she is with Jesus. My heart leaped. He didn’t shed a tear, and lovingly shared with Trent (keys) and me about his 38 year marriage, how they came to know the Lord & were shy about telling one another, and how God gave them boldness of faith and they’d faithfully served there at FBC ever since… it just so happens.

Then he grabbed our shoulders and started praying for our ministry. We were supposed to be praying for him!!! He left us with some amazingly encouraging words about ministry… It just so happens…

So…

what has the Lord done for you lately that you try to reason?