Personal testimonies can be instructive regarding the principles and the ways of God, as well as very encouraging to people in their own walks and journeys with the Lord. The testimonies of others have often fulfilled these two purposes in my own life. I want to offer one of my own now in demonstration of what God is able to do in the life of any listening believer, willing to trust and be led by His Spirit.
About 4 years ago, I sensed that God was wanting to move me out of the church He had previously sent me to, and return me to more active ministry. There was no ministry opportunity for me at that church that fit the giftings and mission assignments I had previously enjoyed with Him. And there had been a prophecy given to me; that God had much more for me to do.
I was also sensing that I needed to move from my present location to another part of town, My daughter had been urging me for a long time toward some sort of closer housing arrangement together, especially after my husband had passed on to be with the Lord. I had not been ready to do that. But eventually I sensed that it was time to explore that possibility.
I do nothing without consulting the Lord, so I asked Him if it was time, and to confirm that it was His Will and plan for me. His immediate reply was “Yes. But let Me move you.” Wow! Who would argue with that?! So that began another adventure with the Lord.
I called my real estate agent, and my house was quickly on the market.
The very first week, the second visitor made a full price offer with no repair contingencies, not even the minor repairs, house washing, etc!
Clearly the Lord’s Hand, right?! But the buyer wanted to close as soon as possible! We had not even gone out to locate my/our new property and place to live, yet. But OK, the Lord was in charge of this move. Just watch, observe and enjoy how he manages all of this. There was still due diligence and a process to follow at both ends, selling and my purchase.
We immediately began our search for God’s intended property and housing arrangement… together, but a definite separation of quarters for me for full privacy. The time and season was April and spring. The half-acre property we were led to was a blaze of color with azaleas over our heads, 5 white dogwoods, many other plantings and a pattern of pathways to walk and enjoy. Even some art-work here and there. Such peace and confirmation that this was our new home, even before seeing inside!
The space for me was perfect: A separate outside entrance for me, another door to outside off a very large bedroom, with my own private deck reaching toward the garden area. Excellent living/dining/kitchen area. Even my own separate laundry room with storage. Main house was a more ordinary expected small 3 bedroom, 2 bath brick ranch.
Ah, but issues and problems too! 2 ancient HVACs, a rotted out shower base in the master bath. Other serious issues.
But the Lord had put together what I called my “God team,” with my agent at the center. Both my financial advisor and my home inspector happened to also be leaders in their churches, and walked out this faith adventure with me. My agent, with much professional wisdom, had lined up both of them.
The problems and challenges were many, even the appraisal came in too low for the seller, and the contract and price re-negotiated. Meanwhile, my buyer was wanting to close and move in as quickly as possible! If that happened I would be out on the street, so to speak.
So how did God handle all of that? Delay after delay of closing dates by their bank! They just could not quite get their end together. But when the date did become firm, I “knew” that all the issues at the other end of this pipeline would clear up quickly. And that’s exactly what happened!
Plus my buyer, feeling apologetic for all of the delays at their end, allowed me to stay in my house an extra 2 days. One of many things to chuckle over as I watched the Lord handle every issue and problem. And my “God team” watched in wonder and amazement as I laughed at all the usual concerns they had for potential contract failures. Their faith levels were rising the whole time.
Closing was on a Friday. That is everyone’s preferred day so they can move over the weekend. But all deeds have to be wire recorded by 5 pm, or wait until Monday! My closing, set for 2:30 pm did not begin until closer to 3 pm. I had actually not even met my lawyer until then, but immediately “knew” he was part of my God Team. With all but my home inspector present, we closed with much joviality, and then final hugs with me, initiated by my financial advisor, who was still appreciating this unusual clear Hand of God.
But that is not the end of this testimony to the Lord! When I got to the house, my family was unloading stuff prematurely. A big “no, no” legally! On the phone with my agent, who was clearly not happy, he and I waited while his wife was on another line with the lawyer, waiting for word that it had properly recorded on time. Guess when it did! 4:59pm!!! God, right?!!
A week later, I learned from my agent’s wife that after we had left his office, my lawyer, whom I had not even met previously, said “We have to get this lady into her house.” So he called the Register of Deeds office and called in a favor of a friend there. BUT, he did not stop there! He jumped in his car and went there to in person make sure it recorded in time! Tell me that that was not the prompting of God in my lawyer’s heart and mind! And 4:59pm!
So, does that encourage you to know and see the possibilities with God? And what other principles are involved for something like that to happen in your life? Clearly it is available for all of us, as we develop a close, on-going, relationship of communions with the Lord, and learning to hear His Voice. Also, we need to keep our full and complete trust that He is well able to do everything He says He will, down to the tiniest detail and through every issue and problem. Also we need to offer lots of praise, acknowledging, and thanksgiving, as He unfolds His wonderful little miracles, purposes, plans, and provisions for you. What a joy to partner with the Lord!
I hope you are blessed and encouraged by this personal testimony.
Carole Robinson
A God Listener
01/31/2016
No comments:
Post a Comment