Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Proverbs 3:5 (04/06/23)
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TITLE: I Can't See How | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jennifer Percell
04/12/23 -
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“I can't sell your house, there are no buyers.”
“Howie, just try, we can't move without selling the house.”
“The last factory closed. The last major employer, do you know how many families left town?”
“Howie, I don't expect you to sell it, I expect God to.”
We stood to leave as Howie grumbled something about burying a St. Joseph medal, the patron saint of moving houses.
“We'll keep praying Howie, you just list it.”
The bell on Howie's office door clanged and I muttered 'round two'.
“What was that?” Keith asked.
“Nothing honey, it just seems hopeless. The support is coming in so slowly and now this.”
“It's going to be fine.”
“For such a logical man, you sure are impractical!”
Keith had faith. He trusted God. But weren't we supposed to be working out the details? We could borrow money to cover our moving expenses. But then there would be loan payments we couldn't afford. I was so tired of trying to think of a solution. Why couldn't he work with me?
“Jenn, we are here honey, you walked right past the door. You're worrying again, aren't you? God will sell the house.”
“What if He doesn't, we need a backup plan!”
“We are going to plan our trip. We have to get to Quebec and find an apartment to rent.”
“With what? We have no money to make a down payment on an apartment or on language school until the house sells.”
“Dear God, help me talk sense into him! This mission is a great dream, but we can't pull it out of thin air. I just don't understand how it can possibly work!”
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“This is so out of the way!”
“Yes, but the church in Maryland is really interested in French missions and they want to meet us. They are hosting a Q and A dessert night for us.”
Just one more totally impractical detail on this crazy trip. Why couldn't Keith hear me? I want this to work, but I can't see any way it will.
“Welcome! We are so glad you are here. We would love to hear all about your mission plans. Then we will spend some time in focused prayer.”
“We have wanted to work in Quebec as long as I can remember....” Keith told our story well, but we must look foolish to be so unprepared.
“And what is the most important thing you need for your mission to succeed?” asked a lady named Cynthia.
“We need to sell our house in Iowa.”
The prayer time was very comforting. It was good to meet people so invested in God's work. Our host family had experience with French missions, and we learned a lot from them. As I drifted off to sleep, I realized that no one had expressed any criticism for our plan. They must be too polite.
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“I think we need to pay the deposit on the Verdure apartment.”
“We don't have $1000. We can't commit to a house we can't pay for. I left my phone in the car. I'll be right back.” Tears poured down my cheeks, I could not see any hope for this crazy mess.
Finding my phone, I noticed three missed calls. I pressed the voice mail button.
“Jenn, this is Howie, I shouldn't even call you about this I know it must not be legit. But I got this strange call from Maryland. Some lady, Cynthia I think, wants the house, full asking price, immediate closing. Must be some racket. Here's her number....”
“Cynthia, this is Jenn, from the meeting. My realtor just called. I don't understand, why would you buy a house in Iowa? You need to know the town is dying and......”
“Oh Jenn, don't you see? God directed all of this. You prayed, didn't you? He brought you to us. You need money, we have money to use for Him. It's how He works. Trust Him dear.”
How could I be so blind? I sat in the warm sunshine, as the eyes of my heart opened wide, and fears and worries evaporated in the Light of His glorious care.
“My God, forgive my unbelief. I will tell everyone how you answer prayers with stories we could never write. Let me learn to trust You Lord for Your ways are perfect.”
*True story of how our work in Quebec began. I have learned to pray for an answer with a great story to tell of God's care!
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