Series of (Un)fortunate Events?

Some things are just too amazing to comprehend. Take life for example. The plot, the characters, the way events turn out may seem like a product of millions of perfect coincidences, but do you really think it's all based on mere coincidences? There was this guy I met before who was imprisoned twice due to drug dealing, and on the third time, (although he knew he was guilty as charged) was set free. Another guy who was a cop in the States got shot six times. But guess what, not a bullet touched a vital organ. Both, by the way, have devoted their lives to the Lord and opted to let God use them for His purpose. The first guy became a pastor. Hmm.. Are these a literal illustration of "series of fortunate events"?

There's another story from the historical records of Persia (which is also written in the book of Truth), that exhibits exciting twists and turns. It happened 2500 years ago in the Persian Empire. Watch this video below for a short and fun summary of the story. Or better yet read the book of Esther in the Bible.

In a matter of days, Esther, an ordinary maiden became queen. Her uncle Mordecai, a God-centered Jew, was in the right place at the right time and was able to unveil a wicked plot of the officials against the king. The bad guy Haman had a gallows built to kill Mordecai. But a day later, he himself was killed by it.


One time, the king was unable to sleep. He asked a servant to read the chronicles of his reign to him, then he remembered what Mordecai did. He asked a man who had just entered the outer court, "What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?"

Guess who's the man? Haman!

Haman thought it was intended for him, so he replied: "For the man the king delights to honor, have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. ⁹ Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king's most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, 'This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!" The king then told him to do whatever he said to Mordecai.

Creative twists of events, huh? Still a coincidence? I don't think so. Although God's name was not mentioned at all in the book of Esther, I believe the whole story was written by an omniscient Writer and directed by an omnipotent Director. It would be impossible for all these "coincidences" to always side on God's people, whether Jews or Christians. God's exquisite timing plus the faith of His chosen people have proven again, and again, that God is victorious and His purpose always prevails.

Be it a series of unfortunate events or not, everything is under God's command. Nothing just happens.