At the end of Part 1 (read here), I sold my house at auction to get relief from the burden of owning it. I knew it was wrong and had repented to God, but had no idea how to “fix” my mistake.
But God…my two favorite words.
The day of closing, I drove from Raleigh to Maryland despite the snowy, icy weather. After almost an hour of sitting in the waiting room, someone came out and said we’d need to close on another date due to a problem with the buyer’s financing.
Immediately – and I mean right at that second – I knew in my heart that God stopped the sale.
Despite my rebellion – yes, call it what it was – God intervened to rescue me. He had other plans that I could never have foreseen, and the premature house sale didn’t fit those plans. Humbled to the core, I cried almost all the way back to Raleigh…and laughed with intense joy at His goodness.
God’s plan for me – the reason He stopped that sale? Almost two years later, I finally sold the house. Then at the Lord’s direction (yes, He guided me all the way), I bought a house that happened to be across the street from another house for sale. My husband, Don, bought the other house. Yes, it’s how we met – a great God-story for another time.
God doesn’t always intervene in this way. Whether He does or doesn’t, I always lose my peace when I go my own way – when I seek temporary relief from painful or difficult circumstances. But I know how to regain my peace: repent and turn back to Jesus, and do things His way.
Jesus is the only source of true peace. In John chapters 14 through 16, Jesus counsels His disciples about how to live in a world that doesn’t believe. I encourage you to read these chapters full of hope, especially if you are struggling.
Chapter 14 starts with Jesus telling His disciples to believe in Him:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. (John 14:1)
And chapter 16 ends with Jesus telling His disciples to find peace in Him:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV)
“These things” include believing in Jesus, keeping His commands, showing you love Him by obeying Him, trusting Him, staying close to Him, and being willing to be hated by the world as He was hated.
Are you worn out from trying to find temporary relief from your suffering? Are you restless, unable to find peace no matter what you try?
Turn to Jesus, and do things His way.
No matter how many choices you’ve made to go your own way, Jesus is waiting with open arms for you to turn to Him and receive His peace.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27, NIV)
Mary, the Lord didn't let you go off course--no matter how hard you tried! The destination He chose for you was too good to miss, and you didn't. (Yea God!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story, Mary! I have John 14:27 on a little picture that sits by my rocking chair. God's peace is a gift - the world always demands something of us before it "gives" us peace.
ReplyDeleteYes, Maureen, God has been SO faithful, even when I haven't been. He truly does hold me in the palm of His hand.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, Sherry, it's His gift to us for being His and living for Him...definitely not as the world gives, for sure!
Thank you for the comments!