Not by Chance

It’s not a coincidence that you’re reading this today. Nor is it by chance that you may have just talked to someone about this very subject: Every thing happens for a reason. Some Christians call it “Divine appointment,” because everything happens at its appointed time in its appointed place.

In the book of Judges, chapter 7, Gideon was about to set out for battle. Yet, he still had doubts about whether or not God was going to deliver the enemy into his hand. So the Lord told him to go down to the enemy’s camp that night. When he did, he overheard a conversation between two soldiers. One was retelling a dream that he’d had—a loaf of barley had tumbled into their camp and knocked down their tent. The other soldier realized that this was a sign that their army was going to lose the fight to Gideon. Encouraged, Gideon ran back to his camp and set charge against the enemy, where he was victorious.

Was it a coincidence that Gideon overheard this conversation? Was it by chance that he just happened to be in the right place at the right time? Gideon is just one of the countless examples the Bible gives us of how things work together as part of God’s plan.

Even the most tragic events produce the most wonderful works of the Lord. Does that mean that God wants us to suffer so that He can perform miracles in our lives? Absolutely not! But the world is sinful and as long as we live in this world, we will experience our share of suffering from time to time. Yet, as Christians, we can rest assured because as Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” It all happens for a reason.

I don’t need good luck, because I have a great God!