Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
In 1987 my young family and I were living in Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia. Expo 88 had been announced and the project was being built in Brisbane. One of the results that normally happens during these big city world events is that house rents go up and finding a home to rent becomes difficult.
We were being pressured into buying a home because it would be easier than renting during the present volatile price fluctuations. We were looking for a house with a very small budget and the promise from God’s word in Isa. 32:18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
We were being pressured into buying a home because it would be easier than renting during the present volatile price fluctuations. We were looking for a house with a very small budget and the promise from God’s word in Isa. 32:18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
During the late 1980’s in Redcliffe, you could still buy a starter home for 45 to 50 thousand dollars. When I say our budget was small, I mean mustering up forty-five hundred dollars for a down payment was a monumental task. With the grace and help of God, we were blessed and had accumulated forty-seven hundred for a down payment; we were living the dream even though interest rates on a mortgage were 13%. Phil. 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
The day came when we had found a house near the hospital, on a beautiful street with nice fields behind the homes on that street. My wife was in love with the french doors, wooden floors, shaded porch, casement windows, and tropical gardens. Eccl. 1:8b The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. I thought this would be a wonderful place for my wife and son because there were 3 bedrooms and my wife was pregnant with our second son.
The day came when we had found a house near the hospital, on a beautiful street with nice fields behind the homes on that street. My wife was in love with the french doors, wooden floors, shaded porch, casement windows, and tropical gardens. Eccl. 1:8b The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. I thought this would be a wonderful place for my wife and son because there were 3 bedrooms and my wife was pregnant with our second son.
“How much?” We asked in unison. The Realtor thought the asking price was about forty-nine thousand but was not sure because the owners lived in Melbourne and they just finished the family estate paperwork on it. I said, “We can offer forty-seven thousand right now.” In my heart I knew we did not have anything left for furniture but, hey, this was the house.
We could all see clearly this was the house for us and surely God wanted us to have it. Well, two days later the owners came back with an offer of fifty-nine thousand that was firm. My wife was heartbroken because we did not have anywhere near fifty-nine hundred dollars down. We could not understand the situation because we were believing God for this house. Why God? Why are you not helping us with this request? I thought you wanted us to have a nice place to raise our children! Why? Why? Why? Isa. 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
We ended up buying a nice home on Dunbar St. for forty-six thousand, and we were able to buy some furniture and move in just in time for the birth of our second son. Three months later there was an announcement in the local newspaper that the city and government were going to build a large welfare subsidised apartment complex in the nice field behind the dream home street.
That neighbourhood was in an uproar because they pronounced that property values would crash and the crime rate would be terrible. They prophesied to the letter as realty prices dropped overnight by one-third of house values. After the housing project was finished, theft and vandalism did go up.
That neighbourhood was in an uproar because they pronounced that property values would crash and the crime rate would be terrible. They prophesied to the letter as realty prices dropped overnight by one-third of house values. After the housing project was finished, theft and vandalism did go up.
Our disappointment had been changed into a blessing. Rom. 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. The Lord had protected us from ourselves. We do not always see what is down the road, but God does, and trusting Him in our disappointments is part of our walk in Christ.
Isa. 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. That is what happened in our home, we glorified the Lord for His wisdom and guidance because there was more blessing to come.
Isa. 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. That is what happened in our home, we glorified the Lord for His wisdom and guidance because there was more blessing to come.
In the summer of 1989, we returned to Canada and by that time the realty-boom in Australia had started to build a bit of momentum. One and a half years after buying our home, we sold for approximately double what we paid for it. We had enough for a nice healthy down payment on a house in Canada. Within a short time in Canada, we were mortgage free.
We give God all the glory. His wisdom is boundless and full of love. The Lord has the know-how and trusting in Him during our disappointments is still the way to go. Prov. 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
It's amazing how one day a circumstance can be devastating but time reveals that it was actually exactly what was needed to guide you to where you need to be. God works in mysterious & miraculous ways!
Thank you God for leading me out of my disappointment.
I've been considering many aspects of this while reading Malcom Gladwell's David & Goliath. There are advantages in disadvantage and abilities in disability.
Hi you posted a comment on my Blue Mountains Journal blog. I see you live in Kelowna. I have visited Kelowna a number of times because my sister lived there. It is such a lovely spot.
Hi Norm
Love your testimonies! Find your teachings combined with testimonies the once that impact me the most …
Keep going!!!
Jonathan
That’s an inspiring blog, Norm! Thanks for sharing that!
God bless you, brother!