I suggest that the difference between coincidence and divine/demonic intention is at its core: discernment. When the unexpected happens, what conclusions do we instinctively draw? If we live with a fundamental belief that coincidence is rarely the answer and that divine intervention is far more common that we care to admit, we learn discernment.
I bring this topic up because of events of late in and around my life. A few weeks a go, one of my friends suffered through a kidney stone. I find out today that one of our World Race coaches and one of our Peruvian contacts (who happened to be meeting today to plan debrief for our January World Racers) both have kidney stones as well. One of our up and coming July Racers is walking through the shockwaves of her 22 year old sister and unborn child dying tragically in a car crash. In Africa, a van being driven by one of our partner AIM staff carrying orphans destined for an outing was hit by a semi sending many to the hospital. Three of our current racers are walking through cancer with close family members. The list goes on and on.
One might draw the conclusion that “wow, it’s strangely coincidental that all this occurs at the same time.” Flooding in Mozambique, earthquakes in Peru, hurricanes in Nicaragua…
Scripture says we are living in the last days and we should begin to expect things to stir up in the last days. Scripture also says we are not to be unaware of the devil’s schemes, for he prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. My discernment tells me we have not just “hit a string of bad luck” but instead are under attack from the enemy.
I am currently studying God’s divine purposes in suffering. I strongly believe God (whether he intends it, allows it or merely uses it) never wastes suffering on our lives. My most recent lesson stated: “Great wisdom comes directly from profound suffering.” My response to a “string of bad luck” is not to shake it off as coincidence, but to praise God that Satan has chosen us worthy of his attention – clearly because we are about kingdom work! As Joseph proclaimed in Genesis 50:20 “what you meant for evil, God meant for good.” Queen Esther received the counsel that in the face of sure death “and who knows but that has called you for such a time as this.”
Brothers and sisters, join me in the praise of our magnificent God. He is worthy to be praised and adored for His overwhelming wisdom and love. Let us follow the example of Job and lift God up not because our circumstances are celebratory, but because He is worthy! The enemy has no stronghold for we remove it in Jesus’ name. Jesus Christ is Lord and His sovereignty is unmatched. Praise God! Hallelujah!
