Have you ever found yourself in a place you never intended to be, doing something you never planned to do, and yet it turned out to be exactly where you needed to be? Life is full of these unexpected turns, and sometimes, these “accidents” lead us straight to the feet of Jesus. It’s amazing how many people come to Christ not because they set out to become Christians, but because they stumbled into His presence in a moment of need, curiosity, or even desperation. These moments are not accidental in God’s eyes; they are divine appointments, perfectly orchestrated to bring us closer to Him.

Take, for example, the story of the thief on the cross. Here was a man who had lived a life of crime, likely not giving much thought to spiritual matters. As he hung beside Jesus, he had no plans to make a spiritual decision that day. But in his final moments, something changed. Seeing Jesus, hearing His words, and witnessing His grace, the thief recognized his need for a Savior. In a desperate plea, he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42, NIV). Jesus’ response was immediate and filled with grace: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43, NIV).

This thief’s conversion was unexpected, unplanned, and yet, it was genuine. It happened because he encountered Jesus at a moment when he realized that everything else had failed him. This story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and that sometimes, people come to faith in the most unlikely circumstances.

Many people have similar stories of encountering Christ when they least expected it. Some might attend a church service out of curiosity, not really intending to get involved but simply wondering what it’s all about. Maybe they’re intrigued by the music, the community, or even just the architecture of the church. But during that service, something happens. A sermon touches their heart, a song resonates with their soul, or perhaps they see the genuine love in the eyes of those around them, and suddenly, they feel a pull toward something greater. What began as a casual visit turns into a life-changing encounter with God.

Others might find themselves at a Christian concert or event, invited by a friend who just wanted some company. They might not even like Christian music, but they go along to be polite. Yet, in the midst of the music and testimonies, they feel something stirring inside them. It’s not just the music; it’s the presence of God reaching out to them, calling them into a relationship they never thought they’d want or need.

Then there are those who come to Christ in times of deep despair. Their marriage is falling apart, their health is failing, or they’ve lost someone they love. In their pain and desperation, they turn to God because they have nowhere else to go. These are the moments when people realize that all the things they’ve relied on in the past—money, relationships, success—cannot save them. They cry out to God, sometimes in anger, sometimes in hopelessness, and sometimes in a final attempt to find peace. And God, in His mercy, meets them there.

Consider the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Here was a young man who had everything he needed but chose to walk away from his father’s house to pursue a life of indulgence. It wasn’t until he hit rock bottom, finding himself feeding pigs and longing for their food, that he realized he needed to return home. His decision to go back wasn’t so much about a desire to reconnect with his father as it was about sheer survival. Yet, when he returned, his father ran to meet him, full of compassion and love. The son’s return was driven by desperation, but it led to a beautiful reunion and restoration.

These stories highlight the importance of evangelism. We never know when someone might be on the verge of an “accidental conversion.” It might be the person who sits next to us at work, a friend we invite to church, or even a stranger we encounter in passing. As Christians, we are called to be ready at all times to share the love of Christ with those around us. The Apostle Peter reminds us, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV).

Jesus was always on the lookout for those who needed Him, and people were always drawn to Him, whether they intended to be or not. He met the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-26), a woman who came to draw water and left with living water. He called Zacchaeus out of a tree (Luke 19:1-10), a tax collector who climbed up just to get a glimpse of Jesus and ended up hosting Him in his home and experiencing a transformation that changed his life. Jesus was always ready, always willing to meet people where they were, and we should strive to do the same.

So, let me ask you, will someone meet Jesus “accidentally” today because of you? Are you living in a way that draws people to Christ, even if they don’t realize they’re looking for Him? Are you prepared to share the gospel with those who might be one conversation away from eternal life?

Evangelism can be scary for many reasons. We worry that we don’t know enough to answer someone’s questions, or we fear we’ll say the wrong thing. Maybe we think we’re too flawed or too sinful to lead someone else to Christ. These are all lies from Satan, who wants to keep us silent and ineffective. The truth is, God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called. If you are willing, He will give you the words, the courage, and the opportunity to share His love with others.

In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul writes, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (NIV). As ambassadors of Christ, we have the privilege and responsibility to share the good news of salvation. It doesn’t matter if you’re not a theologian or if you don’t have all the answers. What matters is that you are available, that you are willing to be used by God to reach someone who might not even know they need Him yet.

So today, be bold, be brave, and be there for that accidental conversion. You never know when God might use you to bring someone into His kingdom. Whether it’s through a casual conversation, a simple invitation, or just living out your faith in a way that others can see, you can make an eternal difference. Don’t let fear hold you back. Trust that God is with you, and that He will use you in ways you never imagined. Remember, there are no accidents in God’s plan, only divine appointments waiting to happen.