All right. We know kids love candy. Adults love candy. Candy is a nice treat. I absolutely love strawberries dipped in chocolate. That’s probably not the junkiest candy I can think of, but eating too many of those can be a problem. What if your child only wanted to eat candy? No meat. No fruit or vegetables. They just wanted candy. Let’s say, hypothetically, that you agreed. You let them live on a diet of candy for a month. Would you be surprised at their next dental appointment that they had developed cavities? Probably not. This is certainly not just a coincidence. These cavities are a direct result of the diet they have been taking in. Now there’s a consequence to this dietary decision. You, as the parent, actually could have made a different decision on what they ate and brought about a different result. Now you’re booking the appointment for the fillings. 

In our daily lives, we have many choice points. Should I wear blue today? Should we have spaghetti for dinner? Left or right? You get the idea. If you are a follower of Christ, you may not know it, but your decisions are not always your own. You see, we’re actually on a mission. You may think you’re just going to the grocery store, but a divine appointment could be waiting there for you. God could have someone there at the exact time you are to cross paths with for His glory. “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬) See this? He is directing your steps. He is involved with every detail of your life. You are His child and He cares for you. Not only does He care for you but He has others that He cares for also and wants to use you in their lives. You have your own unique mission. Mine is not the same as yours but it’s all for His Kingdom. He is the ultimate parent. Like the kids wanting to feast on candy, sometimes we, as God’s children, want things that are ultimately not good for us. Fortunately, God has purchased us with a great price and has the right to make sure we are taken care of. He’s given us His very own Spirit to direct us. John said, “the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” (‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Even if the enemy, a friend or your own desires try to take you into a potentially harmful situation, God’s Spirit living in you is greater. You will be warned. 

I’ve pulled up to a red light before and was first in line to go when the light turned green. I remember the light turning green but “something” prompted me not to turn into traffic at that moment. I sat there watching a northbound traveler run the very light that had turned red. I was about to turn left onto the southbound side. If I would have pulled out, the car would have t-boned me on the driver’s side. I certainly do not believe that was coincidental. I know The Lord was directing my steps that day. I’m so glad I listened. I feel that The Lord is speaking all the time, we just get so distracted that we don’t listen. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Safety is assured when we’re tuned into what The Lord is saying to us. Divine interactions are made when we are directed by Him. 

We have no idea what will happen tomorrow. The Lord knows, though. He knows exactly where we are supposed to be and when that is. Oh yes, we certainly have our lives mapped out. But it is His plans and purposes that will prevail. “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬) This is just a fact. You can plan your agenda. Don’t hold too tightly to it, though. The Lord, Himself, can have you in a completely different place. He’s got a destiny for you to fulfill. So, is this a coincidence? I don’t think so.

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.