Based on the provided text, what role did coincidences and unexpected meetings play in the devotees' journey to Shirdi?

Coincidences and unexpected meetings were pivotal elements in the devotees' journey, serving as proof of Baba's divine intervention. According to Chapter 51, the entire episode is framed as a series of miracles. The first was the portrait of Baba appearing at Mirikar's house precisely when Dixit was there, which is described as a fulfillment of his longing. The next critical event was at the train station; when the packed carriage threatened to end their journey, a chance meeting with an acquaintance, the train guard, resolved the issue by providing them with first-class seats. The journey concluded with another 'unexpected coincidence': meeting Nana Saheb Chandorkar at the Kopergaon station. Chapter 51 portrays these events not as luck but as the capable Sai actively arranging circumstances to facilitate His devotees' path to Him.