In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
Francis Ouimet was just 20 years old in 1913 when he entered the U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was young, poor, and self-taught, and he played with old equipment. He chose a 10-year-old, Eddie Lowery, as his caddie.
With no expectations of winning, the two young lads found themselves in a three-way playoff with two British Open champions, Harry Vardon and Ted Ray.
Many historians credit Eddie’s constant encouragement and confidence with helping Ouimet achieve victory. Eddie’s presence in Francis’ life at that time—along with his youthful enthusiasm and positive attitude—kept Ouimet focused and believing he could win.
On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 had a seasoned pilot at the helm. This pilot happened to own an air safety consulting company that advised organizations on how to improve safety. Growing up with a great love of aviation, he first became an experienced glider pilot before becoming a commercial pilot.
When the 155 passengers and crew members aboard Flight 1549 spent 208 terrifying seconds descending toward the Hudson River, God had already placed exactly the right person in the left seat.
Chesley Sullenberger could fly without power, understood safety procedures, and had years of experience with gliders, fighter jets, and commercial aviation. Every soul aboard survived the ditching in the river.
There is one book in the Bible that never mentions or refers to God. Yet it is a powerful reminder that our everyday coincidences and seemingly random events serve a purpose.
Queen Esther’s story beautifully demonstrates the providence of God. Esther was a young Jewish orphan raised by her older cousin, Mordecai, in Persia. Through a series of “accidental” events, she found herself the unlikely queen of Persia and learned of a plan to annihilate her people.
She balked at the idea of approaching the king, revealing her heritage, and pleading for her people. Mordecai convinced her that she needed to request an audience with the king, even at the risk of her own death. Approaching the king without permission was punishable by death. Mordecai told her, “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
What seemed to be a series of random, accidental coincidences was exactly the sequence of events that saved the Jews from complete annihilation. For most of us, this is how our lives unfold: no parting of the sea and no booming voice from Heaven—just “chance” encounters and events that direct the paths of our lives.
Sometimes, we can’t see what is unfolding until we’ve come through to the other side: a disappointment that becomes a blessing or a barely missed opportunity that we thought we wanted but whose outcome was exactly what we needed.
The intertwining of our lives is precisely the way God intended for us to carry out His mission. We can be a part of someone’s story. Someone in line at the grocery store, at a gas pump, or seated next to you on a plane may become a part of your life.
Who knows which daily encounter may be the catalyst someone needs at that very moment? It may be the nudge you feel to call someone, the invitation you give a golf partner to attend a LINKS meeting, the quick visit you make to a shut-in neighbor, or the sub you buy for the person with the cardboard sign on the corner.
We may never know, this side of glory, how a chance encounter changed someone. The providence of God is present whether His name is spoken or not. Listen to that small voice in your heart leading you. Be the miracle in someone’s life today.
Prayer: Father, thank You for intertwining our lives so that we can make a difference. Thank You for those whom You have brought into our lives. We pray that we will be open to You using us in the lives of others. Amen.