We are a military family who move frequently, which means constant change and trust. After arriving at our overseas duty station, we immediately started the venture of finding our home. This is always the first thing on the list so that we can settle the family, get the kids in their schools, and basically get back to normal living once again!
When we looked at multiple houses and couldn’t find anything, we got very discouraged. We looked at many homes, but nothing felt right. Our allotted thirty days was up and still we had no home. My husband was pressing for a house to be picked and I knew he was right. I finally gave up on my favorite house – a decision that turned out to be a blessing – because the door had been shut.
There is more to this story than I can write…many tears and many prayers. We had to give it over to God as day after day of waiting passed, even witnessing our child cry because of the constant frustrations from being in a hotel. Giving up meant a lot of trust in God’s timing. After a month in the hotel, I got very discouraged when we couldn’t find the right house for our family.
When we were about to settle on a random house, my husband ran into a gentleman he worked with. They ended up eating breakfast together, and his co-worker told Jeff that he had a house appointment that week. He asked Jeff to take his appointment because he didn’t need the house since he was retiring soon. Then my husband showed me a home that looked as large as an apartment complex and told me, “That’s the house!” I immediately teared up from shock. There was no way could we afford this. But God had this house planned for our family!
By the time we looked at the house, the rent was only two-thirds the original price. The landlord had actually wanted to sell the house but the market was bad so he decided to find renters instead. Other families had viewed this house, but he felt they weren’t the right fit. When he met us, he chose us!
During our home search, I told my husband that I was going to pray boldly for a nice house. Just when I thought it was not going to happen, God showed up right on time with a really big surprise! God is good, and not because of a “big house.” This trial of waiting, trusting, and praying boldly showed me that God was listening and already preparing a place. Thank God for not answering my prayers my way and in my time. I didn’t ask for this house and I didn’t find this house. God literally had someone hand us this house and He provided a way that we could afford to rent it. This was all God’s work!
I often take for granted when He says, “I can give you more than you could ever ask for or imagine.” I had a friend come over recently. During our visit, she looked at me and said, “Can you believe this is your house?” This whole experience has been a blessing as well as a lesson that applies to all things in my life. Thank you Lord and to You be the Glory!
Memory Verse:
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
– Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)
Prayer Prompt:
“Thank You God that You provide for all our needs, both small and large. Help us have faith in Your perfect timing and in Your ways above our own ways. Thank You for taking care of us and knowing just what we need, when we need it. We praise You for your love and grace and provision….”
Contributing Writer:
Estella Smith
This is exactly what I needed to read today. Thanks for sharing.