Making Sense of How to Place God in Events that Happen

It seems to me that there is great value in being able to "spot God" in history and events. But this is not an endevour to be taken lightly. God's role in any series of events that happens is never obvious. Far too often, we have made mistakes by too quickly pointing to God. For example, when New Orleans was burried in water, many saw that as the unmistakable hand of God punishing the city for its immoral carousing and licentious culture. Is it that simple? As I write, two Albino pigeons are fluttering about in the street below. I don't know that I've ever seen an Albino pigeon, much less two. Did God bring them here to me to encourage me as I write this blog?

What role does God play in these events? And is there a good system for pointing out the hand of God? Are there rules? On the one hand, you could say everything, from the smallest detail of our lives, like the crumb on the floor, is part of God's ultimate plan. But on the other hand, God refuses to be held responsible for the terrible things that happen as a result of human sinfulness. And regardless of what I believe about providence, I don't think God cares too much about that crumb on the floor. But as Neal Plantinga has said, part of being a good leader is about helping people to realize the presence of God and the cosmic significance of ministry. There is value in pointing to God, because identifying the hand of God makes us more aware of his presence and helps flesh out faith. Faith needs eyes.

But its a tricky business. You don't want to trivialize God. With prayer, for example, say I pray for something to happen and it does. Is this necessarilly an "answer to prayer?" I pray that God will provide me with lunch. At noon, I walk to the refrigerator and heat up some left-overs. Is that God working in my life?

I pray for my sick friend to be healed from cancer. The doctors operate and remove the tumor. Is that a "healing?" Is that God? I pray for the church to grow. No new members. Is that a "no" from God?

I'm going to keep thinking more about this because I think its important.