Several years ago, we found ourselves in a challenging situation due to some unavoidable issues with former business partners. Bottom line: we needed to sell our house. But the real estate market had just taken a dive, and it was in the middle of winter – NOT a good time to sell a home. I prayed, and said, “OK, God, if this is going to happen, YOU’RE gonna have to do it.”
As I prepared our house for showings, I began to remove all of our personal items so potential buyers could imagine themselves living there. I had a collection of crosses on the wall (things kids had made in Sunday school) and as I began to take them down, I stopped. “Nope,” I thought, “Jesus is our realtor. I’m leaving these up. If somebody’s offended by them, they’re not meant for this house!”
So we listed the house, and within a week, had our first showing. We piled the kids and dog into the van and drove around, keeping ourselves busy while the couple went through our house. We happened to drive by a house that was for sale and when we pulled over to grab one of the flyers, a realtor “just happened” to pull into the driveway. She yelled to us, “I’m about to show this house – if you’d like to walk through, you’re welcome!”
The house was amazing. MORE square footage, MORE acreage, yet HALF the cost of our previous house! It was exactly what I’d asked God for. And, it was vacant.
Turns out that very first couple made us a CASH offer, so we could avoid the appraisal process, and wouldn’t need to worry about their financing. As our realtor shared the news with us, we could tell by her face that there was a catch. She said, “Unfortunately, they want occupancy in 3 weeks, and we still have to find YOU a home.”
We laughed, “We found one last night! And it’s vacant!”
We closed the deal, and on the day we were to move, I was cleaning my way out of the house. As I was scrubbing the laundry room floor, I reached up into the dryer vent, and pulled out a clump of lint. With it came a $20 bill! Now I was able to buy pizza for the kids who’d helped us move.
I said aloud, “Thank You, Jesus!” And out dropped a little plastic cross! Like Jesus was saying, “You’re welcome!”
He was smiling. I know I was.
Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. – Psalm 37:4