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.
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!
Posted by: Josh | January 29, 2005 at 01:39 PM
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.
Posted by: Joe | January 29, 2005 at 09:53 PM
I read somewhere that coincidences happen when God wants to remain anonymous.
Posted by: Jan | January 30, 2005 at 05:41 PM
I don't believe God has ever intended, or wants to be anonymous.
Posted by: Mike | January 30, 2005 at 05:52 PM
That is awesome.
Posted by: harvey | February 01, 2005 at 12:41 PM
The more you pray, the more that you will experience the "coincidences" and the goodness of God. He loves you.
Me
Posted by: sara | February 01, 2005 at 05:07 PM
My first thought was that you should ask for more money if you photo is going to be the cover of a book.
Posted by: margot | February 01, 2005 at 07:07 PM
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.
Posted by: Saint Stryfe | February 02, 2005 at 01:47 AM
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.
Posted by: kelli | August 08, 2005 at 10:23 PM