Publisher’s Clearing House didn’t show up. Ed McMahon has enough housing troubles of his own. Haven’t seen Santa or the Easter Bunny, and I haven’t played the Lottery in almost 20 years.
God showed up.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.[1]
I know that this is taking this verse slightly out of context, but God has provided for us in a way that I didn’t even dare ask or think.
We have until August 26 to redeem our house. We’re only short of what we need by about $112,000 (Only!). Of course we have been looking for places to live and a couple of months ago we found one. It’s only two bedrooms (we have four), but the rent was relatively inexpensive, it has a full basement, and other than we don’t know where our two college kids would sleep when they are home, it seemed like a good place to go until we can qualify for another mortgage. So we were resigned to the fact that we were downsizing.
About a week and a half ago, I received a call from a deacon’s wife. She wanted to know if we were still looking for a house. Her sister was looking for someone for her in-laws house. She thought it was inexpensive, but thought that I should talk to her brother-in-law right away. Living in a small town, of course I was familiar with the house. I graduated with the brother-in-law. I’ve known his parents all my life.
Then I called and heard the terms of the arrangement. Mom and Dad are in an assisted living facility. They don’t want to sell their home. Basically, we are house-sitting indefinitely at the cost of the utilities and taxes. Think about it. For the same cost of utilities and approximately the same amount per month in property taxes that we paid here we are paying everything but a house payment. It’s basically free.
Oh, did I mention it was a five bedroom house? On the same street my wife grew up on? The house of her best friend growing up?
I’m still pinching myself. I don’t know why I’m surprised. We pray for rain and then leave our umbrella at home. We asked the Lord for a place to live that we could afford and that would hold all of us and He did it far more abundantly than we would ever have dared to ask or think. Hallelujah!
Who needs Ed McMahon?
[1]The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 . Standard Bible Society: Wheaton
