Uncoincidences: You Can’t Make This Stuff Up

Today’s two-part story is uncoincidental, a term I use to describe events which could only be from God’s hand.

PART ONE

Last fall, I read a memoir so compelling, I finished it in two days. One Step Ahead of the Devil told of a woman’s devotion and heroism in rescuing her husband from possible death by his employer. A back-cover quote from news correspondent, Sam Donaldson, said, “Years ago, we at ABC reported this story. Though the names have been changed, here are the details behind that account.” Another reporter quoted, “I have never seen a love like this before.” Others praised author S.M. Hausen for her courage in fighting a Goliath-like giant, at the heart of national politics.

Few young wives are equipped to take on such adversaries. But God prepared the author with unshakeable faith. In her childhood, many years before the fight of her life, God gave Hausen a vision of what would transpire, thus mentally strengthening her for battle.

Before reading the book, I never imagined that U.S. government employees would commit the illegal, immoral acts which Hausen described. Because my father served his country, I had a heightened sense of patriotism. Hausen’s account showed me that fallible humans run the government, but God is greater. She also reminded me that God speaks to us in visions, thoughts, and in prayer, and I must pay attention. On Hausen’s website, I used a contact form to send my thanks for her wisdom and bravery. Although she did not respond, her story stayed with me.

PART TWO

Sometimes, when I hear a story, the Spirit whispers to me and a blog post is conceived. Recently, a social media post entitled The Day I Saw My Angel caught my eye.  I messaged the author, asking permission to blog about it. She agreed, and here’s the short version of what I wrote:

Sheri Schofield is one of few individuals who encountered an angel. The experience positively changed her life.

At only eight years old, Sheri had been riding in the family car with her mother and siblings. She awoke in the hospital where her mother worked.

A nurse entered the room. Sheri said, “I want to see my Mama.”

“Your mama can’t come now, Sheri.” The woman turned away in tears.

Sheri’s gut felt heavy. Her heart filled with fear. Something was terribly wrong. Then she noticed a young man at the foot of her bed. His hair was short, black, and curly and he wore a long, white robe with a sash. Walking around to the bedside, he addressed her. “Sheri. Your mama, your sister, and baby brother are with Jesus in Heaven now.”

Then, in that very room, Sheri saw her beautiful mama, as through a mist, walking across a lawn with her sister and brother.

“Sheri, you will see them again one day,” said the angel. He opened a large, white Bible and read Revelations 21:4, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Then he was gone. Sheri wept for her loss. Grief was fresh, but the fear had vanished.

Later, her father came to her with brimming eyes, to tell her about the car accident which claimed her mother and siblings.

Sheri said, “I know they are in Heaven, Daddy. An angel told me.” Her father felt sure that a nurse had revealed the tragic news. Sheri’s relatives did not believe her, either. So she kept it to herself and treasured the truth in her heart.

The angel’s message strengthened Sheri. From then on, she knew that believers in Jesus will live with him after they die. Death no longer frightened her. She anticipates seeing loved ones when her time comes.

I emailed the finished blog to Sheri for approval. She replied, adding new information:

The angel’s visit prepared me to wage a future battle. A war to save my husband from retaliation by our government. I had to deal with congress, the Pentagon, and ABC news.

Goosebumps raised on my arms. I typed back:

Wait a second, are you S. M. Hausen?”

A few minutes later, she affirmed this fact. Tears filled my eyes. I was communicating with the very author of One Step Ahead of the Devil. She had used a pen name. In my excitement, I emailed her back, using the familiar tone of a friend:

OMG I am dying! Only God can do this! I read your book and was so amazed by your courage and faith. When I saw your Facebook post about the angel, I must have subconsciously remembered reading it in your book. Sheri, this is clearly God working. I am shaking, just weeping at the powerful way God has connected us!

She responded:

I didn’t share the angel story in my book.

So it happened that I wrote a story, completely unaware that the subject was someone I had previously encountered and deeply admired.

And that’s how God orchestrates uncoincidences.

Find One Step Ahead of the Devil at  www.sherischofield.com under My Books, Adult Books.