Coincidence Or Providence?

Several years ago a husband and wife felt the deep call of God to go to Africa to minister. They committed to do so by faith never asking anyone for financial help or for other needs. As time neared for them to depart the couple had three unusual prayer requests. They prayed for two watches, two heavy raincoats and a fountain pen. Like I said, unusual requests.

When they met with the mission sending agency for orientation, they were invited to breakfast the following morning by an influential man. During the course of the meal this man asked the couple an odd question. He asked if they both had watches. The husband answered they did not. Upon hearing this the influential man said, "My son wants to provide watches for both of you."

Later in the conversation this man asked the couple if they had rain coats for the rainy season in Africa. The husband again replied they did not. The man pulled out a card and wrote something on it. He handed it to the husband instructing him to go to the address on the card and pick two rain coats for which he would be responsible to pay for.

Then out of the blue, he held out the pen he used to write the note on the card. He asked if they had such a pen at which they replied they did not. He took  two such pens  out of coat and gave them to the couple.

Coincidence? Providence?

The influential man invited the couple to breakfast again the next day and brought an associate with him. He asked the couple to share some of their faith experiences. When the couple testified about their prayers for the watches, the raincoats and the pen the influential man couldn't believe it. He knew God had used him as an instrument to meet needs for this couple.

Brenda and I have experienced similar answers. After reading that story this afternoon, I took out my prayer journal and jotted down seven things I asked God for specifically. The missionary couple's testimony inspired me to pray for some very specific things so I can one day testify about how God came through and answered. It will not be coincidence. It will be providential intervention.