Happenchance, Coincidence, or Sovereignty?

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Posted by Karen Kinnaird, August 6, 2024

Who doesn’t love drama, romance, power and intrigue? All these elements are in the book of Esther. We read that the lives of the Jews are in danger due to the conspiracy of an evil Haman – the second in command to the king. Ultimately, because of Queen Esther’s courageous act, the nation of Israel is saved. 

One of the mega themes of the book of Esther is God’s sovereignty and providence. Sovereignty meaning His power and authority. Providence meaning His intervention in our affairs. God has a 2-fold purpose in this – His glory and our good – always in harmony with each other. In the world we live in, who doesn’t need a reminder that God is in control? 

In the book of Esther, God’s hand is all over ordinary circumstances to orchestrate events that will accomplish His will. But it’s chapter 6 that is the pivotal chapter in the book. Was it a coincidence that King Xerxes could not sleep that night? Was it a coincidence that he asked for the record of his reign to be brought to him? Was it a coincidence that he learned about a previous assassination attempt that was revealed by Mordecai? Was it a coincidence that Mordecai was not rewarded at that time for saving the king’s life? Was it a coincidence that Haman appeared to the king to request the hanging of Mordecai at the very time Xerxes commanded Haman to lead out in honoring Mordecai? Was it a coincidence that Esther was chosen to be queen in the first place?

No! These aren’t coincidences; they did not happen by chance – they are the result of God’s grand design over the course of people’s lives and the affairs of a nation. In the end, not only were God’s people saved, but the tables were turned, placing Mordecai as second in command.

God’s hand is all over OUR ordinary circumstances and OUR country to orchestrate events that will accomplish His will, too! God is always working in our lives - often quietly and patiently - for both His glory and our good.  Even willful, poor choices, mistakes and failures of people are under His sovereign control.

In a mysterious way God accomplishes His purposes even without violating man’s free will.

In the book Trusting God, Jerry Bridges writes, “No one can act outside of God’s sovereign will or against it…nothing is too large or small to escape God’s governing hand. The spider building its web in the corner and Napoleon marching his army across Europe are both under God’s control.”

God has a plan; He has a plan for you. He has a plan for us.

He has a purpose to the plan and He has the power to carry out that plan. Even in the worst tragedies or when things don’t make any sense, God is working. Even when it seems like nothing is happening or there’s a season of waiting, God is at work!

Since He is sovereign, infinitely wise and perfectly good, He can be trusted. God has not forgotten you. He has not forgotten us. His timing is perfect. Isaiah 46 says, “I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: My plan will take place, and I will do all My will. Look back and remember what He has done. Look ahead and trust Him.

Karen Kinnaird brings the vast experience of having served as a ministry wife for nearly 38 years. Her husband has served as a church planter, senior pastor, state denominational leader, agency specialist at NAMB, and Associational Missionary Strategist. Karen currently serves as the Executive Assistant for Forgiving Forward, a ministry dedicated to helping people experience the freedom of the Gospel through the power of forgiveness. Karen and Jimmy, also known as Gigi and Poppy, have 3 children and 3 grandchildren.

Harmony

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Posted by Annette Burrell, July 24, 2024

“The Jason Hoard band performed a concert at my church a few weeks ago. He and his two daughters were the vocalists, so you can imagine, being family, what beautiful harmonies they made together." And when they sang in unison, it was as if they were one body. It was beautiful music to my ears.

I started learning how to play music on a black plastic flute in elementary school. I advanced to a metal silver-plated flute and carried that into high school.  I learned how to read notes and play scales during my practice time. Other classmates chose different instruments, which allowed us to form a band. When we played our black flutes together, we all played the same notes, meaning we played in unison. When we started playing our more advanced instruments, we began to play different notes that when played together, made chords and provided beautiful harmonies.

It's like that in a choir also.  A choir generally has five sections—Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, and Bass. Within those sections, even those parts can be dissected to form chords. I once had a choir director, when asked by a member if the pianist could play the note she was supposed to be singing—his response was, “As long as it’s in the chord, we are good.”  Good harmonies are often beautiful, but when you are singing the wrong note or out of tune . . . Let’s just say I don’t want to be the one that stands out in that situation.

“The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang:

'He is good; his love endures forever.' Then, the temple of the Lord was filled with the cloud.

-2 Chronicles 5:13 (NIV)

This was done just after the temple was completed and they were preparing for the dedication ceremony. The Israelites had reason to celebrate. The temple had just been completed and God would finally have a dwelling place. After they sang  praise to the Lord, the temple was filled with the cloud! God was present.

Coming off the high school graduation season, I imagine many of you celebrated loved ones—or maybe even your own—graduation(s). Many graduates had private celebrations afterward.  Around the same time, we celebrated Memorial Day, then came the 4th of July with all the fireworks and music.

I love reasons to celebrate. How about you?

What things cause you to want to celebrate or throw a big party? As I write this, today is my daughter’s middle son’s birthday. I think of his 17 years here on earth and look at the fine young man he is becoming. It’s a reason to celebrate. I look at him, and I see my daughter, who is strong-willed, independent, and family-oriented. I like to think I’m the same way, but we are all different. Even though we have the same blood running through our veins, we don’t necessarily have the same gifts and talents. That’s what makes us work so well together—one cooks, one cleans, one organizes, etc. 

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. -Romans 12:4-5 (NIV)

My daughter and I share a love of music. I love harmonizing with her. Her sisters are the same way, their voices blend so well. I think it’s the blood thing. It’s like when I played in the band. The harmonies are beautiful if three flutes, tuned well, play different notes together. But if they are out of tune, it is noticeable. 

The Bible says to be in harmony is to be like-minded.

Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. - Philippians 2:2 (NIV)

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” -1 Peter 3:8 (NIV)

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! -Psalms 133:1 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

As we go through life, pray we be mindful when we are out of tune. May we strive to be like-minded and live in harmony, loving one another and having compassion for others. And may our lives demonstrate the things that are pleasing to God.  

Annette Burrell is an author, speaker, and singer/songwriter. Through Annette’s years of being a public servant, and her devotion to studying the Bible, God has equipped her to lead women into His presence, and share with them how they can grow in Christ. Her passion is learning, sharing about the Heavenly realms, and God’s plan of protection for us as believers.

Who Stole It

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Posted by Martha Wilson, July 24, 2024

“The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy. 

I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”

Jn. 10:10 (CSB)

Once again, I sat on the floor rummaging through the kitchen cabinet, searching for a lid to fit the appropriate container. The familiar frustration escalated as I could not locate a matching lid. It seems to be a simple task, but I am totally irritated once again. I am determined to bring order to this chaotic cabinet once and for all. The matching game begins when it occurs to me this cabinet must be related to the sock drawer. I’ve concluded that a sock thief lives in every washer and dryer and sneaks to the storage cabinet, snatching lids and containers. I assume there is a dark, hidden hole somewhere that has my socks neatly stored away.

Can I get a witness?

Daily, I deal with another thief who comes to steal from me. Trust me, he roams about like a roaring lion looking for more than socks and lids. He comes to snatch my joy, peace, passion, and, ultimately, my faith. He leaves a cloud of heaviness, irritability, discouragement, and confusion.

What happened? A few moments earlier, I was filled with faith, hope, and vision. The next minute, I realized that my vision was missing. My commitment has wavered. My purpose has gone off course. My attitude is toxic, and my faith is weakening.

Where did it go? Who stole it?

The enemy stole from me while I wasn’t looking, overwhelmed and busy.  He is sneaky and watches for the slightest crevice to creep into and steal. He makes his entrance on simple frustrations, irritations, disappointment, and many other emotions. 

While on the floor tackling the cabinet, the Holy Spirit comes near to tackle my heart. It’s time to take back what the enemy has stolen. I am reminded of God’s promises to me and begin to preach the sermon to myself for the thousandth time: I am His, He is mine, and God’s plans cannot be thwarted. He came to give me a full and abundant life.

I find the treasure within my heart—the treasure of Jesus Christ.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Cor. 4:7-9

The Spirit reminds me that the enemy isn’t really after me, the container, but the hidden treasure. He comes to steal the truth from me, attempting to hinder my belief in God’s promise.

It didn’t work, Satan. I found the truth on the floor. There, the Lord sat with me, and He ordered my thoughts, reminding me of His truth. 

I have abundant life in Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the power and the victory within.

He is Truth.

Greater is He that is in me than he who comes to steal, kill, and destroy.

No weapon formed against me will prosper.

I am a child of God hidden in Christ Jesus.

His call on my life cannot be revoked.

He is the Overcomer.

All spiritual blessings are mine in Christ Jesus.

One by one, I stack them high in my heart, knowing that this is the truth I live upon. I bring order to my heart, which is far more important than the storage container cabinet.   

The enemy can have my socks, containers, and lids, but he can never have my heart. It belongs to Jesus. He can’t have my peace, my worship, or my faith. 

In victory, I rise up and STAND in His mighty power. 

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the whole armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” Eph. 6:10-11

Who is STANDING with me? Mismatched socks included?

Martha Wilson is a writer, speaker, blogger and co-host of A Burst of Hope weekly podcast. She is the founder and director of Touching Hearts Ministries for women. She has led women to pursue an intimate relationship with Jesus for most of her adult life. She is bold, tender, and transparent as she teaches women to embrace powerful Biblical truths. Martha and her husband, Ed, live in Fayetteville, Georgia, and enjoy their blended family of five children, eight grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. You can connect with Martha at: Facebook and Instagram @TouchingHeartsMinistries or listen to the A Burst of Hope Podcast.