COINCIDENCE?

JUST A COINCIDENCE?

A Coincidence is “the noteworthy alignment of two or more events or circumstances without obvious causal connection.” The word is derived from the Latin co- ("in", "with", "together") and incidere ("to fall on"). Many things in life are strange and interesting coincidences.

Just take the coincidence of the similarities between Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. The names Lincoln and Kennedy each contain seven letters. Both were particularly concerned with civil rights. Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846. John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946. Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860. John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960. Both wives lost their children while living in the White House. Both Presidents were shot on a Friday. Both were shot in the head. Lincoln's secretary was named Kennedy. Kennedy's secretary was named Lincoln. Both were assassinated by Southerners. Both were succeeded by Southerners. Both successors were named Johnson. Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808. Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908. John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln was born in 1839. Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy was born in 1939. Both assassins were known by their three names. Both names comprise fifteen letters. Booth ran from a theater and was caught in a warehouse. Oswald ran from a warehouse and was caught in a theater. Both were assassinated before their trials. And that’s only a partial list!

Yes, there are some strange coincidences in life. But divine providence is altogether different. God may provide for a need or a meeting in a way that seems mysterious to us, and is sometimes contributed to “coincidence” but it is all in His plan.

Take for instance the story of “The Church of Providence.” In 1874 in Swana Quarter, NC a group of people wanted a certain piece of ground on which to build a church. But no matter how hard they negotiated, the owner would not sell. Finally they had to settle for another piece of ground where they built their church. Two years later, there was a great storm and the area flooded. As the raging waters neared the church, they lifted the building off it's foundation and it literally began to float away. After the storm was over the people of the area were amazed that on this day, Sept. 16, 1876, God had providentially done what man was unable to do. He moved the church across town and sat the church square on the piece of property the church members had originally bargained for!

The owner of the land could not deny the hand of God in the matter and gave the people the piece of property they so badly wanted. The church was renamed "The Church of Providence," and can be still be seen by those who visit the town.

The next time you think an act is just a coincidence, maybe you should ask yourself, “Is God at work here?” Is COINCIDENCE…or PROVIDENCE? (Jeremiah 29:11)

Think on these things…..and remember, to keep the SON in your eyes!