Wednesday, August 10, 2011 - You've Got Connections

     We took the final walk-through of the house we're buying here in Benton and said good-bye to the previous owners yesterday. The realtor commented on how wonderfully everything has worked out for both families, how smoothly everything has gone, how the owners were glad we're the family who'll live in the home they've loved, and how so many details (drop in interest rate, earlier closing date) have worked in our favor. 

     "That's God working," I told her.  She glanced at Tom and said, "Yes, I guess in his line of work he has connections." 

     I laughed and said, "But it's a connection everyone can have."  

     When we first fell for "the house" we had no downpayment and couldn't see a way to gather one. So, we prayed, "God, if You want us to have this house, please, provide what we need to get it and we'll use it for Your Glory.  If it's not what You want for us, please, close this door and take away our desire for it."  At one point we had to face facts: we didn't have the money or the time to gather it. So, we laid the house on the altar knowing other buyers were knocking on its door daily. We let go of something we thought we'd never get back or match. 

     That's when God began to work in His mysterious ways: a check from the insurance company for the last house; an escrow account check from the mortgaging bank; a reimbursement check from the hospital. These unexpected answers to our prayer spurred us to tighten our belts and work with God.  Tom became a Craigslist regular, selling what won't fit into the new house. He's also researched every aspect of this experience and has saved us "mucho dinero." Tomorrow, writing the check at closing won't hurt because God has supplied us with more than we needed.   

   God answers prayers and works things out in ways we never could. He wanted us to have the house all along, but He wanted us to relax our hold and let it go so He could give it to us as His gift. Because He's in it, we have no fear. Because He gave it, it's a good gift. Yes, we have "connections," just like you. Kind of makes you want to pray about something, doesn't it?

Lord, may we never go after anything that's not in Your Will. May we always allow You to steer us in Your paths and direction. Forgive us for questioning You when we don't get what we want when we think we need it. Forgive us for pouting as if You delight in keeping the best of life from us. Help us do our part in the prayer department by connecting with You in Your Character and Will. Transform every desire into one that honors and glorifies Your Name then do what You do best: work miracles so we know You're in it.

In the Name of Jesus Who taught us to ask God for anything

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, 

and He will make your paths straight." 

Proverbs 3:6

 "And I will do whatever you ask in My Name, 

so that the Son may bring glory to the Father." 

John 14:13

"I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him." 

1 Samuell 1:27

 "I sought the LORD, and He answered me; 

He delivered me from all my fears." 

Psalm 34:4

Inspired by Live Loved, by Max Lucado

Photo of "the house"