Facing Trials — James 1:2-4

Praying Over the City at Roots Roasting

March 4, 2019

This is my view today as I write. The car is mine. I hope to get it washed today, and I wish the ride was my bike instead. I miss my bike. That buried bike post is a sad reminder of the days gone past and yet still so far away which include the warmth of summer when I enjoyed being outside.

Recently, I got some bad news. Correction: Right now, I consider it ‘bad’, but I am certain God will make good of it. To be honest, underneath it all, I sense Him working to make much good from it, yet as is the case with situations like this, in the midst, it does not feel good.

This past Sunday, as I was leaving for afternoon errands, my landlord left me a note on my landing that read, paraphrased of course, “When your lease expires May 1st, you can either move into the smaller apartment I am in for $250 more a month in rent or find a new place as I plan to renovate. You’ve been a great tenant, so I hope you stay.”

I don’t know, maybe you think that’s a great offer. I don’t. You might also think that two months’ notice is “fine” too, and honestly, I understand that it’s legal and this is a business deal, yet he’s been considering this for months and it sure would have helped my mental preparation to have been kept in the loop.

That’s just the sort of person I am—generally an open book with very few secrets AND I’m a constant planner. Last minute change, I don’t wear well so a little additional mental prep is good for me. Since last Sunday, I’ve gotten with the program, done a lot of research, and I think I have a general plan. So far, today (it keeps changing), I am going to spend the spring and summer months in an inexpensive rental with the bulk of my household goods in storage while I shop houses.

I wasn’t sure of any of this, I’m still not. I didn’t think I would be buying a home. Originally my plan was to stay renting until such a time I would move into an RV and travel the country writing. Jumping into that doesn’t feel right at this moment. The thought makes me anxious. Overcoming fear to move to God’s will is a very important part of life; however, my measure of peace versus anxiety is how I decide the direction God wants me to seek. I’ve been afraid, yet confident and at peace with moving ahead. That’s God at work directing me to His will.

A few weeks ago, randomly, the idea of buying a house popped in my head—well before the note on the landing. The drive was so strong I even looked a bit on the internet for prices and checked with friends who’d bought recently. This is another way I find God works in my life. Ideas popping in my head, one’s that would be good for me, with the energy and motivation to complete the task. The motivation is greatly important too. When I’m in God’s will, even when it’s hard, even when it’s scary, even when it’s a lot of work, I am energized for it.

So far, today, I think that’s God’s plan for my life. I’m still not super happy about it. I had a tough weekend, moving through a little fog of depression, because this is not the way I would have it. Two moves and a lot of work, but I also told a friend recently that God will make His will known. Apparently, living in my current apartment is NOT where God wants me. That much is clear, and even though this is difficult, I keep trying to remind myself of the blessing in all of this.

James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

There is much to be grateful and consider pure joy. At least I am physically and financially able to accomplish this task. God is with me and He has a plan. I just need to follow His lead.

If you have prayer requests for me, please let me know. I love our Spiritual connection and please put a word out to the BIG guy for me too. I sure would appreciate it. Be blessed.