“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33, NIV)
I would like to share a story of God’s blessed provision for my family.
This month, my family takes possession of a lovely, almost new duplex in Picnic Point. Grateful for the support of the ANZ bank, at no small cost, and of the Australian Government for the grants and stamp duty exemptions made available to us, we will become home-owners.
Our greatest appreciation necessarily goes to our Father God, who was very clearly involved in the difficult and anxiety-provoking process of this purchase. All of the barriers that should have prevented us from securing a mortgage did not arise, and all of the ‘doors that opened’ for us should not have. Without a doubt, we would not be buying this house if God had not made it possible.
Before anyone comes to the mistaken conclusion that God always blesses His people with material benefits, let me illuminate the background to our story. When my wife and I became engaged, we determined to eventually settle in Australia. In the meantime, we moved to Canada for my intended educational pursuits and to start a family. Our five-year plan included saving aggressively for a deposit on a house when we moved back to Australia.
Five years became six, but we saved enough, we believed, for the transport of our belongings to Australia, a vacation on the way, and a deposit on a house. Unfortunately, the expenses and the cost of housing proved to be much higher than we expected. The stress of moving became the stress of questioning our understanding of God’s will for us. We no longer had the funds to establish a secure life in Australia. Had we made the right decision so as to be in the place that God wanted us?
We do not believe that we need to own a home in order to be in God’s will, but the process of discerning God’s will, for us, included the goal of purchasing a house. This was not a fleece being laid before God, after the example of Gideon, but a necessary step for us to take as a family.
Once again, God’s wisdom and timing proved better than our own. By making this purchase possible, God has thoroughly confirmed that Australia is the country in which He wants us to live and minister. This is a blessing, not after the dogmas of Prosperity Gospel, but in confirmation that God provides for the needs of His children. Do all Christians need to purchase a home? Of course not. Did my family? Judging by the psychological and spiritual result, yes we did. God appreciated our need and provided.
All of our praise, glory, and honour is rightfully directed towards Him!
[published in the monthly newsletter of Hurstville Church of Christ 29 March 2006]
