Coincidence?

Written by cycleguy on January 25th, 2016

Coincidence? Luck? Chance? God’s timing.

I’d like to share an incident with you which took place Sunday afternoon. I am not looking for accolades by any stretch so please don’t give them. I would like you to see how God works.

Sunday afternoon after our worship, we made our way to the local “Y” for a baptism of one of our teens. Following that we were going to do a quick lunch at Wendy’s so Jo, Tami and I could make our way to a local winery. Sounds bad doesn’t it? 🙂 Actually, one of our couples, who are involved in our local art guild, had some of their art work on display for the afternoon at the winery. We were going to support them (not imbibe…since we don’t at all). One of our lunch partner’s son requested Mexican instead so we went. Here is where it gets interesting.

As we were being seated I greeted some folks from the church and also a man from the table next to them. Next thing I knew this man was introducing me to his son, who asked if he could speak to me for a few moments. “Sure,” I said, and we sat down. Even before he started talking he teared up and for a few minutes could not speak. Finally he able to control himself enough to say, “I want to say thanks for your podcasts. They have been a lifesaver to me. I have been listening to them all week long. The one about “Its Who We Are” so hit me it was like God spoke directly to me.” (In a later email he told me he had his wife listen and she had the same reaction). I thanked him but then put my hand on Ryan’s shoulder (techgeek) and said, “This is the man who made all that possible. Each week he puts it on the website.”

The rest of the conversation lasted a long time and I don’t really need to put it here. Suffice it to say, I was bowled over in two ways: 1) by God’s timing. If we had chosen Wendy’s instead of El Ranchero I would have missed this meeting; and 2) By the impact of the media, even when I had no clue. I honestly have no idea if someone has listened to the podcast or not…unless they tell me. I don’t even know if there is a way Ryan can tell.

But this young man was told by his mother-in-law about our website. He/they found it, listened and are seeking God’s desire for their family.

All because we chose Mexican instead of Wendy’s. And all because God has a plan and perfect timing.

{Note: conversation edited for space and privacy}

 

23 Comments so far ↓

  1. Rodney Olsen says:

    Very occasionally I’ve had the opportunity to hear from someone how God has used me to minister to them. I suspect there are many other stories out there I’ll never hear. I don’t say that because I believe that I’m a person of great influence but because I serve a God who chooses to use me, despite my many flaws, to reach others in some small way. It’s both encouraging and humbling as I realise that I need to remain close to God to ensure I’m available for him to use me in whatever way he chooses.

    • cycleguy says:

      You say it well Rodney: God chooses to use you, despite the flaws. If we could all realize our influence it would “set us sitting straight.” Thanks for your comment all the way from Australia. BTW: happy Australia Day.

  2. Love to hear this. Amazing how God uses these opportunities.

  3. Betty Draper says:

    This past weekend we were in Arizona on a ministry trip, had three different meetings with three different missionaries. My brother moved to Arizona recently so for the firsts time we stayed with him. He has a step son there also who has a girlfriend. They invited us out to eat and they told us they were really nervous meeting us, afriad they would say a cuss word and did not know how we felt about them having a beer with their meal. With in a few minutes we were able to put them at ease, we were not going to judge them for anything. Our conversation was turned totally to the Lord , by them, they ask question after question. We talked for hours and found to our delight two soul hungry for truth, both seeking answers for life, both were believers but so out of touch with the Lord. We went to church with them on
    Sunday, heard a great message, more talk after church at lunch.
    All that to say, we thought our ministry was just for the missionaries, but God ordained another meeting for us. We got an encouraging email from them after we got home thanking us for helping them sort through some issues, giving them directions and just plain encouraging them along their journey. It’s wonderful to feel used by the Lord, on purpose for from a not on purpose meeting. If my brother had not moved out to Arizona we would not have met up with his step son and girlfriend. His plans and timing are impeccable.

    • cycleguy says:

      You have experienced this weekend what I did only in a different way. Love that you and Ace were open to discussion and not judgment.

  4. Jeff says:

    Coincidence seems to be a more reasonable explanation.

  5. The divine appointments of life are awesome! Thanks for sharing bro’

  6. Kari Scare says:

    Very cool & inspiring.

  7. Nancy Barr Raper says:

    God’s timing, no doubt…

  8. Meekly Seeking says:

    Hmm, maybe I should start following these podcasts.

    Glad you took advantage of the opportunity. There was the possibility that you would have racists yourself from the man as you were with others and on down time. I’ve actually heard of pastors who do this.

    • cycleguy says:

      I am also glad of that as well MS. (For the record I have contacted MS about the rest of the comment since I’m not sure what is meant except some would dismiss the person due to being with others and on down time). Maybe it is just me but I can’t do that.

      • cycleguy says:

        MS meant “excused yourself.” Said typos of phones are interesting. I guessed right about the intent of his comment. And I repeat: it is not in me to do that.

  9. Ceil says:

    Hi Bill! Thank you for clarifying MS’s comment. Yikes. I wasn’t too sure where that was going…
    Isn’t God amazing? How can anyone think He is not living among us? Here you were, redirected to right where you were needed. And what a joy to know that your words meant something to someone else. So much so they were driven to tears.
    That’s God my friend. That’s grace boiling through you and being shared. Beautiful!
    Ceil

    • cycleguy says:

      Thank you for the kind words Ceil. I am continually amazed at how God can use little thought of things/events and touch someone’s life. I can tell you that whole incident made my day! But God can do that through and with all of us. Thanks again.

  10. floyd says:

    That’s awesome, Bill. To be used to be the hands, heart, and mouthpiece for our Father is the ultimate gift and blessing! No coincidences…