It’s surprising how often what we call “coincidences” are actually God at work. Not long ago, I came across my old daily planner from the early 1990s. When I opened to August, the pages were packed—every 15 minutes scheduled from morning to night. I had two young kids, no staff, and felt the pressure of trying to grow our student ministry. Back then, I believed the outcome rested on how hard I worked.
A few days later, while sorting through files, I found a paper I wrote in grad school. It was about Meister Eckhart, a 14th-century priest and mystic. He taught that people often get so busy doing things “for God” that they miss God Himself in the middle of it all. His advice was to slow down, expect God to be present, and actually look for Him in every moment. That reminder hit me again—He’s always at work, whether we see it or not.
Was it just chance that I found both of those things right as a new season begins? I don’t think so. Starting something new can be exciting and exhausting at the same time. I love meeting people, sharing stories, and seeing lives change. But the long hours, the heavy work, and the emotional ups and downs can make it hard to notice God in the middle of it. Yet the truth is—He’s there. Even in the ordinary, even in the messy, even in the moments that don’t go as planned.
So here’s the challenge: take a few pauses this month and look for God. Did something small go your way? He’s there. Did a plan fall through? He’s still there. Did you gain something? God’s in it. Did you lose something? He’s still in it. Even finding the best wings in town—yes, God can be in that, too.
He is present in all things. If we slow down and look, we will find Him.
