In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
—Psalm 4:8 ESV
Have you ever had an experience that became a touchstone memory, reminding you of God’s providence? Something that can only be explained by God is sometimes called a “coincidence,” or when telling the story, someone might say, “It just so happened ….” But we all know nothing “just happens.”
Well, it just so happened that we recently experienced a long, whirlwind weekend of joy, peace, and turmoil. For eight months, we had planned my father-in-law’s 80th birthday party, which grew into a family reunion with several events: a sunset cruise, Topgolf, a beach-and-golf day, and a family dinner. We had secured flights and rentals, and my sister-in-law drove 22 hours to get there. Early Wednesday morning, as we loaded decorations and anticipated the dinner cruise, we received a teary call from my brother-in-law: “Dad had a stroke. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance.”
In seconds, we went from joy to fear. We drove four hours to the hospital, where Dad was being treated. On our arrival, he was already recovering. (It just so happened that this hospital specializes in stroke care.) Family members rotated in and out of his room to wish him well. Then, it just so happened that the cruise company called to say there was a problem with the ship. The dinner cruise had been canceled, and they were issuing a full refund!
The next day, Dad insisted we have the birthday party without him—dinner and Topgolf had been prepaid, so everyone should enjoy it. We decorated, gathered, and called him on video to sing “Happy Birthday.” The following day, it just so happened that my niece knew someone at the hospital. They arranged a private room for Dad, so we could hold a mini-party, including the Chevy-shaped cake, decorations, and balloons.
Even though Dad missed the main festivities, he was well cared for and blessed. Everyone was relieved by his quick recovery and growing strength, so joy soon overshadowed concern. In the end, everyone had a wonderful time.
Looking back, these moments remind me that even when our plans are turned upside down, God is faithfully at work behind the scenes. What seemed like a string of coincidences became evidence of His care, protection, and goodness. When things don’t go as expected, we can still trust that God is present and working for our good. His faithfulness turns our worries into praise.
Paul’s shipwreck, described in Acts 27, is an example that reveals God’s providence in crisis. At first, it seems disastrous, but every detail—where the ship lands, how everyone survives, the hospitality they receive on Malta—shows God’s hand at work. Like the cruise cancellation and the hospital’s timely care, what seems like a setback becomes an opportunity for God’s providence to shine.
The Bible is filled with many other stories from Joseph to Ruth and, of course, Christ Jesus, in which the “just so happens,” both good and bad, turn out for our ultimate good and God’s glory.
The cherry on top for us, though, was that our whole extended family went to church together on the final day. It was an overwhelming blessing to worship together and give God thanks. It just so happened.
Lord, I thank You that You have established Your throne in the heavens, and Your sovereignty rules over all (from Psalm 103:19 NASB).
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV)
Marlene McKenna
Sweet Selah Ministries
Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service
Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)
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