God Incidents

God Incidents

The ODB this morning recounts God Incidents... how our prayers often come in unexpected forms. The example they gave was of an alcoholic who prayed for power to resist temptation, and his answer came in the form of a renewed sense of willpower or an encouraging word from a friend. (Now, I'm not trying to go against myself here and what I said about alcohol previously. There's a big difference between a serious addiction and an occasional drink.)

But, it's interesting how we are so quick to label things "coincidences" or "chance" or a surprising turn of events. But I believe that if we really take the time to look around us, we will God working in our daily lives.

For incidents...

When feeling a little anxious last week, I saw some notes that Blake had left behind that read "life and peace, mind set" and it brought me peace.
When I was feeling all alone in my wedding stuff, Emily called and Michelle and Jess loved my dress.
When I was a discouraged Bible Study leader, Joseph offered an encouraging prayer.


And I believe this corresponds with the scripture reading for today...

14"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15To one he gave five talents[a] of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. 17So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. 18But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
19"After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'

21"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

22"The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.'

23"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

24"Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'

26"His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

28" 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. 29For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 30And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

If you are using your talents (time, energy, ability, money) for God, it is often easier to see God working through that. I gave a tithe even as a volunteer, and there was always enough. Whenever I worry about there being enough, just remember the loaves and the fishes. Somehow, there will be enough... and we will see God in all instances... when we are giving our whole selves to Him.