“Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.” Not the words of a mystic or theologian—but of Albert Einstein, the most preeminent scientist of the 20th century. And it’s one of his theories I can understand!
Scripture tells us that God is present through the Holy Spirit, and that when we need comfort or guidance, all we have to do is ask. Every once in a while, Einstein’s theory about coincidence and the Divine is proven- to me at least.
I once shared how I felt a strong, inexplicable pull to purchase a simple sandalwood cross from an immigrant couple in a Michigan mall. They told me the woodworking tradition had been in their Middle Eastern family for generations. Later, I felt just as strongly that I should give the cross to my wife’s elderly mother. She cherished it and kept it in her pocket everywhere she went. After she passed, I wanted to find that cross. I searched through every one of the two dozen coats and sweaters in her senior living apartment, now quiet and empty. I opened every drawer, checked every pocket, asked every relative. Nothing. I gave up. I figured it was gone. That’s life, right?
The Holy Spirt is referred to by Jesus as the “Great Comforter” or “Advocate.” By definition, an advocate is someone who works in support of another person. As Jesus prepared to leave His disciples, He offered these words of assurance, from John 14: “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever- the Spirit of truth… These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
The rest of the story is kind of funny. I had given up trying to find the cross, as I said. One day, with a handful of grieving relatives in the apartment, I felt chilly and grabbed the very first sweater I reached for in the nearest closet, without even looking. I dug my hands into the empty pockets of the sweater and took a step or two. The pockets of the old, hand-knitted garment seemed empty, but I felt something in a deep, hidden recess where the lining had ripped- and you probably can guess the rest of the story. There was the cross. I missed it in my first, hurried search.
Was it coincidence—or the anonymous work of the Spirit? I don’t know, but it was a prayer answered, which feels like a miracle to me. These days, my wife carries her mother’s cross in her pocket. Recognizing God’s handiwork begins with being attentive, having “eyes to see” as Jesus puts it. Faith prepares the soil, and being open to mystery—as Einstein suggests—helps us notice the miracles that quietly take root. The song pairing is “Raise Your Head (with eyes to see).” Until next time, stay safe, be brave and keep walking in the light.
*Has something like this ever happened to you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
Raise Your Head
Bow your head with ears to listen
God’s around, see what you’re missing
raise your head with eyes to see
God’s right here with you and me
Now He don’t text and He don’t phone
but you can bet, you’re never alone
so when your faith’s a bit rusty
lean on me, He said, you can trust me
Raise your head with eyes to see
God’s right here with you and me
Raise your head with eyes to see
God’s right here with you and me
If a powerful worry’s tumbling ’round your brain
don’t take a bus, don’t take a plane
sit right down, open your heart
lean on Him, that’s a very good start
Raise your head with eyes to see
God’s right here with you and me
Raise your head with eyes to see
God’s right here with you and me
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