Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” [ESV]
If I ever questioned whether God could or would involve himself in my life, it was put to rest when I got my first “real” job.
I was finishing my graduate work at the University of Colorado when I decided to look for a job and stay in the area. I, along with a few thousand-other people, had fallen in love with Boulder/Denver. I didn’t want to leave, even though I knew of PhDs relegated to pumping gas. The employment opportunities were slim. When I heard of an opening for a speech therapist in the Denver school district, I sent in my application and set up an interview. What did I have to lose?
I regularly attended a little church in Boulder, but occasionally visited a large church in Denver on Sunday nights. Knowing how the sanctuary always filled to capacity, I arrived early in order to secure a seat. I finally found a spot. It wasn’t long before I was engaged in a conversation with the couple sitting next to me. So how long have you been a believer? Do you attend this church? Where do you work? You’re a superintendent for the Denver school district? I think you’re the person I have an interview with tomorrow!
I basically walked into his office the next day and signed the contract.
Was it a coincidence that I happened to go to Calvary Temple that night? A coincidence that out of every seat in the large sanctuary I happened to sit next to the man who would be interviewing me the next day? A coincidence that in a job market tighter than a lid on a pickle jar I would secure a position in my field?
Nah, I don’t think so.
Scripture tells us that although we make our plans, the Lord establishes our steps. That’s how much he cares for his children. We may not recognize it at the time, but when we do, far more than our steps are established. No amount of my planning could have accomplished what God did in that Sunday night service. He planted seeds of trust and confidence that continue to bear fruit.
Friend, never confuse the “coincidences” in your life with luck. It just may be God!