CHRISTIANITY / FAMILY

I am picking out the paint colors. Crocheting new potholders to match my new kitchen colors. We are planning which trees we'll use to mark the property line — and we don't own the home yet.

When we pulled in the circular drive, the old while farmhouse was keeping her secrets and gathering the afternoon sun. We stepped out of the car to the sounds of birdsong; one particularly gleeful mockingbird welcomed us, seamlessly shifting from one mimic to the next. He had an impressive repertoire, I noticed.

I was overcome with the feeling of home. Gray hair growing, rocking chair rocking, afternoons sitting on the porch kind of home. Grandkids running through the field kind of home.

The feeling has not left me. We put our bid on the property today and are pending the seller doing some repairs so our USDA loan will clear on the property. But I am already making potholders. Picking colors.

It has occurred to me that others might think this presumptuous, emotionally risky, but I do not see it that way at all. I am acting on faith.

I believe there is a divine connection to "gut-feeling" and God's relationship in our life. So when I walked into that home and knew it was the one, after years of prayer for God to provide us a home and help us get there, I didn't hesitate to see the answered prayer in front of me.

In the back of my mind, if this house falls through, then it is simply a measure of our strength and readiness to go through the process.

God is our home. He will be where we are.

All I know is this house is the one. The one we are to pursue. Where that pursuit leads is up to God and to our determination and wise choices. I remember a verse that came to me when we first moved into the rental where we currently reside:

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

Even out of context, the verse gave me great hope and has been with me for the past few years, like an undercurrent, a well-spring of hope.

I am not a fan of Bible verse "plucking" because there is so much context for the verse usually left out, but in cases where you are simply seeking biblical inspiration in your life, or using it as a quick-recall verse to help you feel closer to God, it serves the purpose of uplifting faith and is, therefore, a good thing.

God uses verses to move your heart in the right direction.

This particular verse doesn't mean that God is thinking my family deserves a bit of happiness — so here's the house you wanted! It doesn't work that way. While I have clung to this verse as a form of security, it has very complex meaning regarding God's message to the Israelites at that time — He actually planned to prosper the area, their persecutors! But what he offered His people was security in HIM and hope for their future — no matter what happened.

A deeper understanding of this verse:

So while I am crocheting my dishcloths, picking my paint colors, planning the sliding barn door we want to put upstairs — I am at rest, at peace, and filled with hope — whether this house is it, or not.

God cares for my family. This whole house hunting process has reminded us of that and given us hope for our future. While I visualize our lives in that little farmhouse, I reflect on the promises God has for me and my family — and for you.

Here are a few of my favorite cling-to verses in times of struggle, turmoil, and uncertainty

I hope they inspire you today to be hopeful.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians: 8–13, NIV, emphasis mine)

5 The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. 6 The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.

7 Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. (Psalm 116: 5–7, NIV)

25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?

28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. (Matthew 6: 25–29, NIV)

Thank you for sharing this moment with me today.

We are still waiting for the call from the realtor on the acceptance of our bid. I thought in this moment I'd be praying and begging God to let me have my little white farmhouse, but I'd rather sit here with the security of God for my future.

Christina M. Ward is a well-living and family blogger, a nature writer, and a published poet. She aims to write novels in her new farmhouse.

This story is published in Koinonia — stories by Christians to encourage, entertain, and empower you in your faith, food, fitness, family, and fun.

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