I needed money, and money came with a seeming note from God. 

There are many pictures on my other website, but the one that they wanted was of a neon cross.  A neon cross for the cover of a to-be-published book called “A Brief History of Christianity.”  Perfect for the cover, they wrote, and here is $400.00.  I’ve taken better pictures, but ok. 

I can’t help but look at this in terms of God providing for me, or some such sentiment.  Is it true though, or is this just a coincidence?  Is the concept of coincidence just a mask for the mostly-unrecognized work of a higher power?  When we say “what a coincidence!” are we really denying God’s work in lieu of the simpler randomness of life explanation?

I don’t know.  I still don’t know.  But this year I pause, last year I wouldn’t have.

Comments

[Josh]

I saw a quote somewhere: "When I pray coincidences happen"

Coincidences are a great tool God used to reach us. Sometimes I think of God sitting outside of time, moving around chronological events in our lives and the lives of others so that everything fits together like a jigsaw puzzle fullfilling his will.

Pretty Awesome!

[Joe]

Perhaps, but I'll play devil's advocate (no pun intended, at least not in a theological sense) and suggest that it might just as well be confirmation bias.

[Jan]

I read somewhere that coincidences happen when God wants to remain anonymous.

[Mike]

I don't believe God has ever intended, or wants to be anonymous.

[harvey]

That is awesome.

[sara]

The more you pray, the more that you will experience the "coincidences" and the goodness of God. He loves you.

Me

[margot]

My first thought was that you should ask for more money if you photo is going to be the cover of a book.

[Saint Stryfe]

Congrats on getting a little lucky. Seems like things don't go your way a lot, then they do.

This is one of those times where it's not simply a God or Spirit. God or SPirit may have moved the heart of the person reviewing - but you did the work. There was nothing divine about the photo - you said yourself you've done better. You did the work. You sent the submission. If God had a part - you more then did yours.

REmember that old gem from sunday school - God helps those who help themselves? This is what they meant.

Pagans, like myself, believe similar. You can do a 1000 point ritual describing every and anything, to do anything - like get some money. But if you don't try to get a job, buy a scratch ticket, what ever, it's worthless. Same principal.

So good for you - good work. Keep plugging.

[kelli]

is there any point commenting to an 8-month-old post? oh well... it's better than writing my assignment.
I reckon God most definitely provides. I am utterly skint this year, as i've returned to full-time study. I had a job all lined up for the uni holidays, driving a van full of kids on a school holiday programme. The day before the job started, i broke my arm. i pouted. i whinged to everyone. i was secretly (and sometimes loudly) feeling pretty ripped off and stressed out, cos i REALLY needed the money. lastly, when i was too tired for more ranting, i prayed. a very human and somewhat pathetic prayer. and the next day i called my old boss. i wasn't expecting much, as he hadn't had any freelance work for me in the three months of my study to that date. the company just wasn't very busy... so i was pretty surprised when he delivered two weeks worth of freelance work to my door :-) I do think God provides. it doesn't always have to be via supernatural means - sometimes its just a motivation or a divine hand atop ordinary circumstances, but he does provide.