Do you believe in miracles? Or do you credit everything in your life to coincidence?
Is there such a thing as coincidence or is life orchestrated by an invisible hand? At times when the unexpected happens, especially to our benefit, is it just a chance event, or was it meant to happen on our behalf? A coincidence is defined as a “remarkable concurrence of events apparently by chance” The last part is particularly significant, “apparently by chance.” Doesn't this leave the door open for it not being by chance?
When we experience what we consider to be a coincidence in life we mostly accept it as such, and allow it to pass by without giving it much attention. However, when the coincidence has a spiritual element to it, we then begin to give it a second thought and begin to wonder whether it was a coincidence or something more like divine intervention. When we remove the possibility of a natural process and the possibility of a human answer, we are left with the supernatural and the miraculous.
Miracles happen every day of our lives. Many falsely believe miracles must be glorious, large in scale, and immediately recognizable, but most are often small and simple. Many years ago I began making a conscious decision to recognize the small wonderful miracles occurring every day of my life. I replaced my thoughts of thinking of them as coincidence and giving credit to God with gratitude.
This decision has been instrumentally powerful in my life as I am now more clearly prepared to recognize and receive miracles as they occur, and as I need them most. I can ask for them with the knowledge and assurance that God makes everything beautiful in its time. All things are crafted by God — including time. He is behind all things and the way they will turn out. It also reminds us that everything happens exactly when it should, not by chance or irony, but by a divine plan beyond our comprehension.
Miracles are exceptions to the normal rhythm of life. But that’s what makes them miraculous. No “magic” formula produces a miracle. Mankind has no say in whether they happen, though the Bible tells us that our prayers reach God's ears. God doesn’t grant a miracle because we’re “good enough” or “spiritual enough.” He doesn’t grant miracles because we’ve successfully bribed Him. Rather, he chooses when and where to supernaturally move in our natural world, according to His plans. To heal, or not to heal, much of our anxiety lies solely in His hand.
God’s sovereignty reminds me to put all my trust in Him for all things. always. Why? Because a coincidence is a small miracle where God chooses to remain anonymous.
God is in the process of perfectly planning out your life as well, in a way only He can. Trust that He is in the details, and believe with all your heart that one day you’ll see His perfect plan for you fall into place.
Buffalo Chicken & Rice Casserole
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1/2 pound boneless chicken tenderloins or breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 large grated carrot
- 2 teaspoons Hidden Valley Ranch Spicy Seasoning
- 1 1/4 cups long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Wings Buffalo Sauce
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Mexican Crema Sauce or sour cream, optional topping
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place butter in a 10" oven-proof skillet or sauté pan with a lid. Set over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and celery. Sauté for 3-5 minutes to soften.
- Add the chicken pieces and seasonings. Cook for another 3-5 minutes. Don't worry if the chicken is still a little raw.
- Add the carrot, rice, hot sauce, and broth. Stir, then cover the skillet. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until most of the broth has been absorbed. Do not over overcook.
- Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the cheddar and cilantro. Sprinkle with blue cheese and green onions. Place the lid back on skillet for 3 minutes to allow the cheese to warm through.
- Taste, then salt and pepper as needed. Serve with crema or sour cream.
