Saturday, July 27, 2013

Moving out in faith, part 4

In part 2, we found out that we have 9 months from June 26 to find a place to live and move out. So, we made some lists. The first list was what we needed in a home. The second list is what we wanted in a home. The third list was both of these plus some conditions that we knew would have to be met in order for the other lists to be fulfilled. Basically these lists were a prayer list for our home that God has for us. These lists are between us and God, so that any part that is fulfilled we will only be able to give glory to Him and not take any on ourselves.

After those lists were made we started looking. We saw a few places that were close to ideal, a few that met almost all of the specifications our list. Right now we are waiting for the signal from God as to when, specifically where, and then how.

So, on to the next list.

To do #1.
Clean and sort through all the accumulation of junk and stuff that we have, much of which we don't really need. And that is more than we care to admit.

So the list of stuff to go through is being divided into about 7 months so that the task doesn't overwhelm us.

1. Shed 1
2. Shed 2
3. Porches, we have 2
4. Bedrooms
5. Bathroom and laundry
6. Kitchen and living room
7. Rest of the yard
8. Anything else that got left out accidentally.

Anyway, here we go.

Moving out in faith.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Moving out in Faith Part 3

When we first got married, there were times when we didn't know how we were going to pay the rent, or where we were going to live. But God always provided. Not always in ways that we thought He should, or even when thought He should. Never the less, we always had what we needed.

One of the stories in the Bible that inspired and encouraged us was the story of Abraham. Just as God called Abraham to leave his home for who knows where, God called us several times to move, and change jobs without telling us the details. And often we didn't have much time to do so.

When we moved to Kansas we didn't know why except that there was the possibility of a job. We didn't have a place to live at first and stayed with relatives. God found us a place to rent and we had a job that paid the bills. Soon we found out why we were sent there and as soon as our mission was fulfilled, God asked us via various circumstances that it was time to move on.

Victor got a job trucking where I soon joined him. After the kids were born, God asked us to give up certain things that had begun to take over our lives. A great sacrifice on our part, just as Abraham was asked to give up his son. And just as God provided the replacement for Isaac, He also provided the replacement for our sacrifice.

All through our marriage, we have seen many parallels in our lives with the life of Abraham.

Abraham had to move many times as did Elijah according to the call of God. We know that wherever God calls, He also provides the way and means to do so. We don't know when or where yet, but because God calls, we obey.

Sometimes we get frustrated and let doubts and discouragements creep in, such as when we think we may not be able to pay the bills, or when we see the mountain of debt that we have let collect. But as we confess our faults, and allow God to change our hearts and accept His forgiveness for our shortcomings, we know that He will provide yet again. He encourages us with His promises that He can and will take care of us in His way and in His timing.

Psa 37:23-25  The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.  (24)  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.  (25)  I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
Luk 1:53-55  He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.  (54)  He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;  (55)  As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.