Mistaken Text Leads To Marriage

 There is an expression that says, "a coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous." Have you ever felt like that? Most people experience a wide range of coincidences where things just seem to work out in an unexpected but pleasant way. But when it comes to the story of Brenda Rivera and Isiah Stern the coincidence was not a small one and it actually started with a Bible verse. You see Rivera was trying to send a friend an encouraging scripture via text quoting from Philippians 2: do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself.

Wrong number leads to marriage & kids

After hitting 'send' the message actually went to Stern as Rivera typed her friends number but was one digit off. Seeing the scripture on his phone from an unknown number he couldn't help but reply so Isiah said, "Amen to that. Who is this?" Soon the mistake led to conversations. Conversations led to a growing trust. Trust led to a meeting with mom, who quickly gave approval and finally a first date occurred. Within just three months Stern knew this woman was special and one of a kind so he asked her to be his wife. That was thirteen years and 6 kids ago as the couple is still married and very busy raising a family. 

When asked by the Today show what made Isiah even respond in the first place given that it was clearly a wrong number he stated, "I viewed is as, oh this is another person that can help me in my walk with God. Its always good to have good friends and I was very encourage by that [Bible verse]." Stern went on later in the interview to advise, "there is no right way to find somebody. Don't close yourself off. Don't build up walls. Its important to be vulnerable." Who could question his wisdom after the amazing success that his philosophy has brought his way?

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