“Happenstance?”

Posted on March 13, 2020 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters

“And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests.” Nehemiah 2:8b

“If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” Is a quote from Jesus in John 14. He probably could have added, “if you don’t believe me ask Nehemiah”. How nice is it to be a apart of God’s plan? To be doing what God wants you to do. I try to move from what I used to call “Happenstance” and now recognize the “gracious hand of my God upon me”.

Coincidences don’t just happen, God’s hand in the believer’s life is instrumental in accomplishing God’s will. Nehemiah was aware that the favor the King was showing him had nothing to do with him, but it was because “The gracious hand of my God was on me”. God’s favor isn’t the same thing as God’s love, it extends itself to those who acknowledge His presence. God’s love is unconditional and can never be earned, His favor, on the other hand, is conditional.

The benefit the believer has is that God’s hand will direct and provide the needs of His people to do His will. I also believe God’s hand is used to deter us from doing that which He wants to protect us from. I’ve learned to look at delays as a possible deterrent to a disaster, that sweet elderly person placed in front of me doing 30mph in a 50mph may be God’s hand in keeping me from harm. It also serves as a stimulant to subdue my road rage.

As I become conscious to God’s hand in my life it becomes evident that I am in the best possible place I can be. When the realization of God’s hand and provision are at the forefront of my mind, I am not willing to do something stupid to forfeit that. I can literally decide not to sin based on my love for God. The conversation sometimes goes like this, “Flesh, you will not keep me from enjoying the presence of God in my life, I choose to walk in obedience so that “the gracious hand of my God will be upon me”.

There is a peace and joy that comes with being content, these are the things that accompany the gracious hand of God upon us. There is a clarity that helps us to see the direction and provision God has for us. It also helps us to discern when to know a door is closing.

Are you aware of God’s hand upon you? Take comfort knowing that the things that occur are not “Happenstance”, but “The gracious hand of God upon you”. Amen!

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri and serves with her as full-time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can reach him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org

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Think About This: “Offer God what you have and trust Him to give you what you need” – Craig Groeschel

The Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 30-31 , 2 Samuel 1-3 | You can download our 2020 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: ⁴ Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. ⁵ Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day. –Psalm 25:4-5

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.