Great is God's Faithfulness
Apr 7, 2019 | by Nancy Newbrough
Early in the fall of last year, my husband Mark’s job changed within the same company, and he began working from home. With this came a pay cut, so our budget was really tight. After looking at our finances and wanting to be good stewards of God’s provision, we decided to use the equity in our home and move back to our home state of Tennessee.
The funny thing is, after living in our house for almost ten years, Mark had recently finished updating our kitchen. We had put it off, choosing to use our extra money for trips to see our grands who lived overseas. Mark worked tirelessly all last summer on the project and it is beautiful! So, our kitchen was ready to sell! God prepared it when we did not even know what was coming!
After praying about it, we decided to list our house in early spring. That would give us time to update and paint other areas of our home. The real estate market typically is much better in the spring than any other time of the year.
We contacted our realtor and she advised us on things needed to make our home as competitive as possible in this market. All along we asked the Prayer Team here at The Fellowship to partner with us as we sought God’s guidance on decisions, timing and sale of our house as well as finding a new home, church, and friends in Tennessee.
With open houses scheduled, we requested prayer support for their success. In the past, our home-selling experiences have been long, drawn-out affairs full of anxiety and roller coaster emotions. We requested the Prayer Team to cover us, asking God to make this a peaceful process.
Our house was listed on Thursday, March 14. On March 15, the first couple to look at our home told their realtor that they were going to put in an offer. Sometimes buyers follow through with that; sometimes they do not!
We had two open houses that weekend, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. As our realtor had come down with the flu, substitute agents stepped in for her. Sixteen family groups came through on Saturday and 17 groups came on Sunday. Over 50 people viewed our home!
On Sunday, evening we received a very good offer from that first couple. We negotiated a good resolution and the house went under contract in just four days! Praise to God alone!
Meanwhile, we needed to look for a new home in Cleveland, Tennessee, which is located on the edge of the Cherokee National Forest just 15 miles north of Chattanooga. God provided an opportunity for me to travel there before Mark to do some previewing and weed out places that might not fit our budget or needs.
Our real estate agent in Cleveland set up several showings for me. Upon entering one particular home, I quickly realized it was a great fit for us! It met everything on our list of both needs and desires. Wanting Mark to make a decision uninfluenced by me, I did not share this with him! After a look at it, he really liked it as well -- not to mention that it is only one mile from our daughter, her husband and baby!
After viewing several homes, we both knew none of them compared to this house. An offer was made and after negotiation, we are under contract there. The couple who own the house are moving to the same retirement community in Cleveland as my mother. Small town living!
In fact, just this week, I received a call from the leasing agent at the facility. She had been discussing with a colleague the new residents who would be moving in during April. They connected the dots. The leasing agent then proceeded to tell me that she lives just down the road from our new place. She also told me about hearing that I was a quilter, and she was excited that I could complete her quilt tops for her. That is just another little kiss from my Heavenly Father as He begins to cover my need and desire for friends.
Our next objective will be a church family. We visited a great church last Sunday. The first two songs were familiar ones that we sing at The Fellowship. The third was my favorite hymn: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Another kiss from God! Though leaving a place we have grown to love, both my husband and I feel His presence and leading in our new adventures!
I know our Lord will continue to answer our prayers and meet our needs! A line from my favorite hymn says it beautifully: “All I have needed, Thy hand has provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.”
Connie
I believe that I shall look upon the
goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart
take courage; wait for the LORD!
Psalm 27:13-14