So beautiful, so true – that one simple verse really spoke to me.
I realized that I tend to follow the path of fear initially, but that is NOT God’s path! Why don’t I immediately recall ALL of the times God has blessed me beyond belief instead of gravitating to the “what if’s”!?
I’m so sorry, Lord. These have been sterling opportunities to trust you with my whole heart. Why do I even let fear tumble around in my mind?
I was really looking forward to closing on the sale of my duplex on Sept. 30. I would finally be out of that business, which will bring me great relief. I’ve been praying for the good of all involved – the tenants, the buyers, the realtor and myself.
Now there has been a delay and closing was moved back a couple weeks. I was disappointed but still hopeful. Then one of my tenants gave notice that he is moving out the end of this month. Being that he is the original tenant in the duplex he got to put in his own appliances, so will be taking all the kitchen appliances with him!
At this point, I cannot seek another tenant because the buyer may have plans of moving in. So, my mind explored “what if” the deal fell through… It would be quite expensive to miss a month or two of rent and have to pay to replace all the kitchen appliances. Plus, if I did need to find new renters, it would be hard to rent if the building is also for sale (been there, done that!).
But in following that train of thought, I had stepped right into the devil’s snare! He wants me to focus on the “what if’s.”
So my thoughts traveled across a new bridge. Since I had already been praying about a solution that was good for everyone, maybe this is God answering! With the tenant moving out, the new buyer would not have to ask anyone to leave; the tenant would leave by his own choice; and I would be out of the rental business. Sounds just like God, working all together for good.
Even though there are questions about what will happen in the next week, this is my opportunity to trust in Him and keep my eyes on the One who is in control. If things don’t happen as I would like, I will cross that bridge when I come to it – and not worry or fret about it before. God is good and it’s His voice I want to listen to.
Loving and gracious God, I’m keeping my eyes on you. You are the anchor for my soul, the only One who’s in control, so I will cast my cares on you!
It truly is a snare of the devil. I fell into many of those snare's wouldn't you think I would learn from the first snare. I'm still learning thank you Jesus.
ReplyDeleteFor me, I'm finally beginning to notice that these kinds of snags tend to occur just when I start getting proud of myself that everything seems to be working out just like I wanted. So I believe that God may be allowing those snags to occur to test my heart to see if I am really trusting in Him or in myself. Whether that's the case, or whether the enemy is tempting, your closing prayer above is the best response. Once you set an anchor, the boat can float casually on the surface enjoying the sunshine and the breeze, without a worry about drifting off.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your wise words of encouragement. Last week the closing was pushed back another week, and today it is still indefinite as to when it will close -- although it is expected to happen. More waiting. More trusting. God gives us what we need for each day.
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord. He is so good. Yesterday I received word that the closing can happen on Tuesday. I am relieved to no longer be a landlord, the tenants are at peace because they leave on their own terms, the buyer is happy because he didn't have to boot anyone out to move in. Isn't that the way God works?
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ReplyDeleteUpdate: On Monday, there was a huge snag that threatened the closing from happening at all -- which made me rely even more on that Bridge of Trust. Thankfully, on Tuesday, by the grace of God, the sale was final. I am no longer a landlord. Such peace that brings!
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