Monday, September 17, 2007

A Testimony to God's Sovereignty

It was almost two months ago when we decided to sell our house and move. Though the housing market stinks right now I had confidence God would sell our house for us. I was praying for the family who would buy it, imagining a young girl who would fall in love with Elizabeth's room and a boy who would love the jungle in the boys' room. Knowing God knew the right family for our house, I prayed He would lead them to us.
We also realized it may be necessary for us to rent our house to someone, so while we were putting it "on the market," we also advertised it as "for rent."

One day a woman, a man, and two kids came to look at the house to rent. I was kind of staying out of the way but did notice the kids (a boy and a girl) seemed to really like the house. The man and the kids went outside and the woman stayed in to talk with Brian and I further. At that time she told me she was in the process of a divorce (The man with her was her brother, not her husband - as I had originally assumed.) and they were looking for a new home so they could start over. She told me about the struggle the past several months has been for them - particularly her son. I felt drawn to pray for, but as she sat down to fill out an application and then said she needed to get back to her kids outside, I chickened out and missed the opportunity. (So I thought.)
A day or two later, she knocked on my door. She came in and said she had a couple more questions and her son wanted to see the house again. I told her I was so glad she came because I'd wanted to pray for her the first time we met and was kicking myself for letting her go without praying. I asked if I could pray for her right then. She got a little teary and asked if her son could join us. He did.
I prayed for them, we hugged, she cried and we experienced God's love together. As this woman and I talked further, her son went outside and climbed up in the tree fort. She told me he really liked the house, especially the tree fort, and that is when I was sure I wanted them to live in our house. I knew this young man was struggling with his parents' divorce and it gave me a certain joy to think of him being able to climb up in that tree fort to just be alone with his thoughts in prayer, experiencing the love of his Heavenly Father.
While I wanted to sell the house, just so we could be "done" with it, more and more I was believing God meant for this woman and her children to live there. They needed a new start, free from the memories associated with their old house and I prayed that God would arrange things as He knew they should be.
Well, Saturday they moved in! This is part of the note she gave to us.

I want you to know that you have and still will be impacting my life and those of my children by renting us your home, by praying with [my son] and I that day, and by simply allowing God to use you in whatever way He will. You will never know how much it meant to me to find you and have everything fall into place so quickly.
We don't always have the privilege of seeing God's hand at work so clearly, but there was no missing it this time. I am so blessed and soooo thankful, and I couldn't not tell you about it.
Are you seeing His hand today?

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BTW, TimeOut was great this weekend. I did get to meet Elisa Morgan - even sat by her at lunch. The best part was the conversation I had with my friend on the way home, all about Jesus and why I have faith in Him. Another example of the sovereignty of our God!

12 comments:

Char said...

Dear Karen
Yes, God certainly had His finger in your pie with the house situation. Praise God He knows exactly where we are, so He can answer our prayers so swiftly. Doesn't it just amaze you sometimes? I know it's what we can expect from Him, seeing as He IS GOD and all... but it still totally excites me and surprises me sometimes when God sends very specific answers to our prayers. I'm so glad God used your family situation to be the answer to someone else's prayers!

It's OK to be WEIRD! said...

I got teary just reading that. What a wonderful opportunity! I'm so glad you DID take that 2nd chance. It must have meant the world to her! So thankful that you're available to be used by the Lord in that way. That is just AWESOME!

Shawna said...

That is such a wonderful story. God really does take care of us when we need Him to. And what a blessing to really see God working like that.

kreed said...

Your story brought tears to my eyes...it is amazing how perfect God's plan is...

A Captured Reflection said...

This is a beautiful testimony, I felt so moved reading it. Is the lady a Christian? Wow, bless you for stepping out and doing this, you have allowed God to flow through you, and this is another dimension to your ministry to people I believe, those Mum's hurting, going through break ups, at a crossroads, not just in the parenting field. What a testimony!

Annie said...

I just love your spirit Karen. What a wonderful example of God's hand in your life. He really cares, and loves us. That is an incredible reality to grasp!
I got a little teary reading your post too, I can just see you praying with this woman and her son. I'm sure it did mean the world to her to have someone care, and what an example you are. We all need to 'care' more!

Mandalyn said...

That is so wonderful! I love the way God used you to minister to that lady! Hopefully, that home will help them heal and move on to what God has for them next!!

Heather {Desperately Seeking Sanity} said...

Why couldn't I have rented the house from you????? :)

Awesome story.... :)

I want to be like you when I grow up :)

Come see me... I got something for ya!

http://www.desperatelyseekingsanity.com/2007/09/18/they-like-me-they-really-like-me/

Stacey said...

Hi, Karen -

This is a great story. After going through a divorce with 3 children, I can tell you that when someone will take time out to pray with you, it is like a life-line to a broken soul. I'm touched to read this.

Poet4Him77 said...

Karen,

I'm not a mom but I am an aunt, does that count? I found your blog through Stacey and your title intrigued me. I just read your post from yesterday and I was touched; honestly, I teared up while reading it. Isn't it interesting how often God speaks to us and we just brush Him away. But when we listen - and obey - blessings unfold before our eyes. Little pockets of grace, as I like to call them. Thank you for your encouraging words.

Marcia Francois said...

Karen, I am so inspired by your story. Don't you love when God allows us to fix things if we "chicken out" as you put it?

This happens to me sometime and i make sure I don't let it pass me by again :)


Organising queen and
Marcia's take charge blog

Anonymous said...

Oh great...now I have to go put my make-up back on! Seriously though, what an awesome story. I just love it the Lord uses us to bless others. What an wonderful privilege.

Have a blessed day!