Sometimes a word’s impact and meaning becomes diluted with overuse. As you read this post about two incredible things that happened to me the last few months, here’s a reminder of what that word means:
Incredible /inˈkredəb(ə)l/ adjective
1. Impossible to believe
2. Difficult to believe; extraordinary
3. Amazingly good or beautiful
The first story
Since March of this year, I have written ten letters (via snail mail) to a particular young person I’ve never met—I will call this person Sammy. I can’t give details how or why I am connected with Sammy, but this story is how God gave me a shot of encouragement that my letters have a purpose.
By August, I had written eight letters and received back two. Somewhat discouraged, I prayed and asked God if I should continue writing. I felt His consolation that I should keep trying to befriend Sammy. I resolved to continue, then I also specifically asked God if He would somehow supercharge our bond.
In my ninth letter, I mentioned I would be turning 55 in October. I shared I was feeling God was going to do something new in my life this coming year, similar to what He did when I turned 40. (Click here to read more about that pivotal year in my life.)
After I wrote the letter, I found out Sammy’s birthday is also in October—October 12, same as mine! There’s less than a 1% chance (0.27% to be exact) for two people to have the same birthday. Incredible!
The moment I found this out, I immediately knew God was involved. It also struck me that God knew all along but waited to reveal it until right after I prayed for a deeper connection with Sammy. I could feel God’s love and encouragement to my core.
God shots and God winks
Has something like this ever happened to you? Some Christians call these God winks; others call them God shots. These events have remarkable timing—they are too beautiful and good to be just coincidence.
The Bible tells us the following about God, and it supports the divinity in these God winks and shots:
Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Isaiah 46:10 (New Living Translation)
Only I can tell you the future
before it even happens.
Everything I plan will come to pass…
The best thing about a God wink or God shot is the clarity deep in your soul that this was not an accident. God is right there with you!
My second story
Ever since my mother went to heaven in 2020, my father wanted to live out his remaining days in Japan. In April 2024, we were finally able to grant his wish and he moved to a senior apartment complex near Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. He could live independently, meals were provided, and we hired help for cleaning and laundry. Dad was able to finish and publish his third book while there!
This year, Dad’s dementia has worsened. We realized he would soon need a care home with more nursing support. Our friends in Aichi tried to help find a suitable care home nearby, but nothing was available.
This July, Dad fell (we think) and suffered a small fracture in his back; he was in severe pain getting in and out of bed. He suddenly needed round-the-clock care for about six weeks until the fracture healed. Thankfully, just next door to his senior apartment was a hospital with a full-service care home for temporary short stays—and a bed was available for him! (As amazing as this was, this is not my second God shot story.)
Concurrently this summer, my brother Don, his wife Esther, and my two nephews made a life-changing move from New York to Japan. I was pleading with God they would choose to settle in Nagoya so they could be near Dad, but Don and Esther based their move on finding the right international school for the boys. Their first choice was in a remote suburb of Osaka.
This school unfortunately didn’t have availability for my older nephew. As we prayed for a spot to open, the family continued forward with the sale of their home in New York (which had an exceedingly blessed outcome). As they moved to Osaka, God provided the spot at the last minute! (As exciting as this was, this is also not my second God shot story.)
So we began considering moving Dad to Osaka instead. Our friend Chieko told us about a Christian-owned care home in Hyogo Prefecture, which is the prefecture to the northwest of Osaka. She sent us the link about the Good Samaritan Care Home. I was moved by the vision of the founder to have a Christian care home, church, and school all in the same complex.
Then I looked up the address on Google Maps. The God shot electrified my heart and spirit: Good Samaritan was just a 15-minute drive from my nephews’ new school!
The existence of a Christian nursing home in Japan is a miracle in itself—less than one percent of Japanese are Christians (0.7%, according to the 2024 Religious Yearbook Shūkyō Nenkan). Also, Osaka is a huge city; it can take over an hour by train from one end to the other. But my nephews’ school is on the northwestern outskirts of Osaka—the exact right direction closest to Good Samaritan! God knew!
My brother visited the facility in Inagawa, a small town in the mountains. The views from the residential rooms are surrounded by green—reminding us of our childhood home in Portland, Oregon. Our family prayed and strongly felt God’s hand in preparing such close proximity between the international school and Good Samaritan.
We nervously inquired if there was a room available anytime soon, or if there was the typical long waiting list. Of course, a room had just opened up! Coincidence, God shot, God wink, whatever you want to call it, God knew! He had a perfect plan all laid out for our family. Our Japan friends and family were amazed and said, “God really loves your father!”
When we moved Dad into his new room at Good Samaritan the beginning of September, I met the Christian owner and mostly-Christian staff. I could feel Jesus’ love in their warmth and welcome. Many of the residents are also Christians—one is a former pastor like Dad. I have so much peace knowing my brother is just a quick drive away. Dad is overjoyed he will see his grandsons often. The first Sunday we all went to the Good Samaritan church next door—what a welcoming, solid church! God knew!
Romans 8:28 (Amplified)
And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.
When you believe God has a good plan for your life, a God wink or God shot is an experience of pure love and confirmation from God. He is smiling, lovingly reminding us He is actively at work in our lives.
Perhaps you’ve experienced a God shot or wink that had no explanation, even if you don’t know if God is for real. God loves you and might be stirring your heart. If you are open, try saying a prayer like I did when I wanted to feel a closer connection with Sammy. You can ask God to help you with anything you might be struggling with right now. God will hear your prayers, and I bet He will give you a God shot or wink if you ask. I’ll be praying for you too!
If you have a God shot or God wink story, I’d love to hear about it! Please message me!