When God Speaks Through Coca-Cola

Almost a month ago, my Dad was coming off the roof of our house, and when he stepped on the ladder to come down from the roof, the ladder slid out from under him. It happened so fast that he couldn’t do anything but fall on top of the ladder. The (approximately 8.5 foot) fall onto the deck broke his wrist and shoulder, and it bruised the whole right side of his body. There were many varying factors to this accident, but the bottom line is that this accident could have ended much worse. My family and I are so thankful that it didn’t. The Lord had his hand on my Dad that day. In fact, he had his hand on my whole family that day.

A little while later, my Mom and I were at the ER with my Dad, and my Mom needed something to drink. I volunteered to go to the vending machine and get her something. As I was standing in front of the vending machine looking at all of the options and trying to decide which drink my Mom would like best, I saw this…

When I saw this bottle of coke, I paused in awe. The significance of this Coke bottle is that the name “Thomas” is my Dad’s name! “Share an ice cold Coke with Thomas” is what the bottle said. I couldn’t help but be amazed that of all the names that have been printed on coke bottles during this campaign, the one with my Dad’s name on it would be the only coke on that row of the vending machine in the ER at the very moment that I was with my Dad, named Thomas. This is no coincidence. This is Divine orchestration. 

While looking at this coke bottle, I could feel the Lord say, “I know where you are, and I am right here with you.”  

This spoke such peace to my heart. When we go through life, especially trauma, it is so easy to lose sight of God’s presence. He is such a loving Father that gently reminds us of His presence in the most difficult of situations. He is able. He is so much more than capable of carrying us through. His Holy Word says that He would never leave us or forsake us, and I choose to believe that because He has never failed me yet. (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5) I believe He never will. Some days have been really tough, but God has carried us through this last month. My Dad has improved daily, and I am so thankful to God for that. I’m also thankful for the prayers and help from all of our family and friends. We are so blessed.

I just want to encourage you today that God is with you in whatever situation that you are in today. You may not feel Him at all, but He is there. He is looking for ways to get your attention.  His divine orchestration and intervention may not look how you would expect it to look. Keep your eyes, ears, and heart open to Him. If God can use a Coke bottle, He can use anything.

Stay Fearless,

Mariah