What are the odds?
An interesting thing happened in our worship service yesterday. As part of our sermon series, "What Jesus Says to His Churches," we featured the story of Adoniram Judson. Judson was a pioneer missionary to Burma for nearly forty years in the early 1800s. His life serves as a tremendous example of the perseverance of the saints. Pastor Wil did a great job in telling his story of faith, vision, commitment, self-sacrifice, and fruitfulness for the Lord.
While preaching I noticed a visitor seated toward the back of the sanctuary. After the service I introduced myself to her and asked her name. "Nu Nu," she replied.
"Where are you from?"
"Burma."
"Burma?" I asked, almost not believing what I heard.
"Yes, Burma," she replied with a smile on her face.
When I asked if she had heard of Judson she replied that she was familiar with him because he had translated the Bible into the Burmese language. And I smiled too.
Perhaps in my 35 years at East the name of Adoniram Judson has been mention 3 or four times. Maybe. And when have we had a visitor from Burma in a service? Maybe once before that I remember.
So what is the likelihood of a visitor from Burma showing up on the one Sunday in 35 years when the life of Adoniram Judson was a major feature of the message? Just what are the odds? And you tell me: Is what happened yesterday a mere coincidence or a God thing?
As for me? All I can say is God is good! Thank you Jesus!