Romans 5:1-5
Faith Triumphs in Trouble
5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have[a] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Transitioning into our new home has been one challenge after another. Our steps have been ordered by the Lord, but it hasn’t been easy. When we first started looking into buying our first home, we got involved with a program that was supposed to help us get all of our credit issues resolved and help us save for our closing costs and down payment. We made payments that totaled to almost $6000. They didn’t come through on their promise and basically stole our money. Despite this devastation, we pressed through and did everything required to be approved for a home. We looked at home after home with more discouragement. Either they were too expensive, too small, taxes too high, or the contract would fall through. We were looking in the wrong area. God had a specific region that He wanted us to go, but we were stuck on what we thought would be the best “fit” for our family (like we knew what would fit better than God….) We ended up purchasing a home just blocks away from the houses that I was looking at 6 years ago just before we got married. It’s like my spirit already knew where we would be! Even in finding our “perfect” home, we experienced setbacks with our loan officer, seller, and closing dates. We didn’t give up.
The closing went smoothly, but brought knowledge of unexpected fees to our mortgage that we weren’t informed of. This shot our payment up more than $300 than expected, putting all of our dreams of the new furniture we were going to finance on hold into a lay away plan. We didn’t give up.
When the closing date changed, we lost all of our help. My husband worked endless hours painting the entire house. A few were able to drop in after work to assist, but most schedules didn’t work with our new date. We didn’t give up.
On our move date most friends were working or out of town. It rained all day. I watched as my 15-year-old daughter and husband loaded the truck with our couches thinking, God why does everything have to be so hard! (Did I mention that I am 3 ½ months pregnant watching 3 toddlers and hadn’t had everything packed?) We didn’t give up!
Our move lasted until the next day. We were brought to tears from pure exhaustion, but as I sit here in my house still full of boxes and without my furniture, I AM RICH! God gave us this house. A place of peace and rest. A place of safety. A place where God’s presence dwells. A place where we belong and my children love.
James 1:2-4
Profiting from Trials
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
God wants to perfect us. He wants to get all the glory from our testimony. He doesn’t want us to lack anything. He gives us strength when man fails us and endurance to keep going. Your blessing will make you rich, but you can’t give up! I pray that you are encouraged to pursue what God has spoken. Don’t give up!
Galatians 6:9
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Father, we thank You for never leaving us. Forgive us for giving up to easily and not trusting Your plans for our lives. Show us how to walk in faith, persevering through the trials that are ahead. Work patience in us and perfect our character. Help us not give up before the blessing comes. We trust You and want Your best! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!