A trip to NYC is bound to provide ample writing material. So when I sat down to consider where to start, my options were pretty overwhelming. Suddenly though, one occurrence seemed to dominate my thoughts.
We use the word coincidence rather frequently. So many things genuinely seem, by definition, to be coincidence (a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent casual connection).
There were many of the standard tourist stops on our list: Broadway show, Times Square, Central Park, Wall Street, etc. But there were also a few stops that likely wouldn’t make it on the list for other people: NYC Public Library, Alexander Hamilton’s grave, and the Brooklyn Tabernacle. I have clear memories of a record that played in our house in the 70’s and early 80’s ~ The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Fast forward to 2009 and I read the book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire authored by Jim Cymbala, the pastor of BT. Although I felt familiar with the church and its history, I was looking forward to attending in person. We had no guarantees of who would be preaching that day but obviously hoped it would be Pastor Cymbala.
We made sure to allow plenty of time to stop and eat breakfast and catch the subway. The only rain forecasted for our entire trip was on Sunday. So when I woke up that morning I prayed confidently and told God it would be pretty sweet if He just allowed it to rain while we were in church. I even took the bold step of wearing white linen pants to demonstrate my trust (and because you simply can’t go wrong with linen…….ever).
The minute we stepped into the church felt like stepping onto holy ground. They directed us to specific seats up front. Not a single seat was left unoccupied. The choir set the tone immediately. This was going to even exceed my expectations. Just when it seemed the music segment was over and the preaching would begin, we were pleasantly surprised when the choir appeared again. I honestly had no concept of time and didn’t care to check my phone.
Pastor Cymbala came to the stage and for a brief moment we thought he would be delivering the message. But instead, he was doing an introduction of a guest speaker.
For the past several months (and even long before that) I’ve been identifying trends or patterns that seemed to warrant my attention. You know. Those coincidences. In a blog dated December 2, 2023, I wrote about misapplication or misinterpretation of scripture. One of the verses that is repeatedly popping up is Jeremiah 29:11. Honestly, it’s never been a verse I’ve been drawn to. Of course, I understand and believe that it has significance because it’s the very words of God. But I think because so many people have “claimed” it without understanding the full context, I’ve just steered away. That verse, in full context, has been showing up every time I turn around. So by now you’ve used your critical thinking skills to determine that the guest speaker was going to preach on this passage.
Initially, I might have been slightly disappointed. How many different times can I hear about this and continue to glean new insight and gain wisdom? But, as always, God’s Word is living and active and in less than five minutes I was wishing I had brought my notebook; the margins in my Bible were filling up quickly.
If the story ended here that would be okay. Once again, I see God’s plan as it unfolds piece by piece. But it didn’t end that Sunday morning.
We had an addition to our NYC trip that included sliding to Lancaster, PA to see a Sight and Sound production of Daniel. For those of you who may be unfamiliar, Daniel is not only a person from the Bible, but he has a book in the Bible with his name on it. He’s a pretty big deal. Additionally, Daniel lived at the time of Jeremiah. The same Jeremiah who wrote 29:11. So what do you suppose was the chance? No way. Seriously. Are you kidding me? Yes, ladies and gentlemen. Again!
I’ve used the word coincidence as much as the next person. But I seriously don’t think I can any longer. I prefer to look from the vantage point of a sovereign God who is intentional and purposeful in all things. From my seemingly random encounters with this text to very obvious design. Don’t miss these opportunities. See what He’s setting before you and lean fully in. It’s no coincidence. It’s God.
(BTW……………It only rained while we were in church. Thought you should know that.)
Jeremiah 29:11 ~ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.