When we moved to South Africa it seemed like a huge impossibility for us to buy a home. Many reasons - lack of funds, very high prices, not being able to get a mortgage (a “bond” in South Africa), etc. We looked at places to rent, but found that to be a very discouraging process. There were few places available, and the ones that were on the market were too small, too expensive, or too awful!
Through a series of God-ordained events, we found “our home.” It’s a house that had been on the market for quite a while, but because of it’s different, not really South African style, had not sold. The owners had lowered the price considerably, but it was still too high for us.
At the counsel of a wonderful Christian realtor (the father of a young man in one of the All Nations house churches), we made a very low offer. Unbeknown to us, the owners had also received a full price offer, but they would have had to move out right away. They are retiring to England, and wanted a longer process for their move. We could continue house sitting/living with our friend Maureen, so that was fine with us to wait longer. They countered our offer with a price slightly higher than our low offer, and we had a deal. It was really quite remarkable. It all happened in 4 days.
Meanwhile, the dear realtor had investigated and found out we could get a mortgage on the type of visa we have, so things moved speedily ahead. The Lord wonderfully provided the down payment……..and here we are now renovating and hoping to move in in a few weeks.
Early in the process, a missionary friend shared how the Lord had provided a home for her and her husband. They had been blessed in such a way that their home was paid for before they moved in! When I heard this, something stirred in my heart. I’ve felt an urgency to pray daily for a similar miracle for us - because that’s what we would need……a “mighty miracle!”
There are days when I don’t know if my heart is stirred with great faith or just wishful thinking - but I can’t seem to get away from this impression in my spirit. I haven’t been able to just shake it off.
So I’m wanting to ask if you would pray with me/us?! Maybe God has a “mighty miracle” to encourage us all! Whatever happens, we are so grateful for His guiding us, opening doors for us, providing for us in all the ways that have led us to this home in South Africa. As a 16 year old when I went on my first missions trip, I would never have dreamed of all that my life would have in store. God has been so good! How faithful He is!
“God gives…..a home to dwell in.” Psalms 68:6
By Sally
7 Responses to “Great Faith? Or Wishful Thinking?”
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Hi Sally
I feel so encouraged by your mail today about your new home. I will pray with you for God to bring the miracle you want and need to life. He is such an awesome God who not only wants to bless us but also to enjoy our lives with us as we dwell with HIM.
I look forward to the revelation of how God leads you in this new journey.
God bless you & Floyd as you travel.
Best always
Urshi Newman
Wow, Sally, I will be praying for this for you guys. I know that stirring of the heart, and you just know, that you know, that you know!! Know what I mean?! :o)
Will wait with bated breath to hear of how God works this marvellous miracle for His faithful children.
Bless you! :o)
Meg
We had a similar experience. We had to move from Southern British Columbia CA to Northern British Columbia, into a city called Fort St John. To make a long story short, - in Abbotsford, (the town we had to leave after 12 happy years), I went through some financial reversals and was lucky to get a $500.00 overdraft on my bank account. In Fort St John we had a $120,000.00 home mortgaged 100% and I was able to finance a $50,000.00 truck for work - 100% …no down payments on it either. The home gave us a monthly payment slightly lower than the going rent, and the truck increased my income by 100%. It was a miracle on both accounts.
I also believe God will deliver us out of debt completely. The above arrangements were a first step in God’s plan for us.
So how do we separate faith from presumption in these matters? Here are my bedrock assumptions in life:
1)(Joh 10:27 GW) My sheep respond to my voice, and I know who they are. They follow me,
2)(Psa 16:5 GW) The LORD is my inheritance and my cup. You are the one who determines my destiny.
(Psa 16:6 GW) Your boundary lines mark out pleasant places for me. Indeed, my inheritance is something beautiful.
(Psa 16:7 GW) I will praise the LORD, who advises me. My conscience warns me at night.
(Psa 16:8 GW) I always keep the LORD in front of me. When he is by my side, I cannot be moved.
(Psa 16:9 GW) That is why my heart is glad and my soul rejoices. My body rests securely
3) I never move unless my wife and I are in complete agreement
4)Unless it is a matter of overcoming sin, I never force or manipulate a circumstance
5) If the gift “fits” my life - after the above steps, I move towards it
(Jas 1:17 GW) Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and stars…
Fort St John was not a town I liked to be in. The oil patch as a career move was not my preference, but after waiting before God, following the Holy Spirit’s Instinct in both my wife and I, and pursuing “leads” gently without my own agenda we had our faith and presumptions sorted out.
Hope this helps.
Sally,
Congratulations on your new home! I’m with you! We’re asking God for a “mighty miracle” of our own and yes, I’ll join with you to pray for yours. It’s so amazing how all the twists and turns of our lives weave such a beautiful tapestry in the Lord’s hands.
You may not remember me, but I was in Kansas City when you guys were there (I was Tina Swofford then). We (my husband Tom and son Sam) are living in Las Vegas now …a different kind of mission field :)I think of you guys often and lift up a prayer. Your website is encouraging. Blessings to both of you!
Tina
Hi Floyd and Sally
Love reading your website. Will trust the Lord with you for the house - may He surprise you with His goodness! Lots of love, Rita
Hi your message is stunning.
I like your blog..
See ya
Dear Floyd and Sally
We feel that God is telling us to move to Kommetjie in a few years time, but will need a similar miracle to yours as houses are just so expensive there. So thank you for your encouragement in prayer and faith. I will start praying now already for our miracle.
God bless your work!
Mark and Martinette
Westonaria
RSA