“A woman had been sick for twelve years…He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free from your sickness.”
Our church has been reading through the Bible with the YouVersion app this year. If you have always thought you would like to read the entire Bible but didn’t think you could do it, this is an easy way.
As I read this portion of scripture in March, three things struck me: twelve years, daughter, and faith. Our house has been on the market since June, 2017. I remember praying with the realtor that day that we would trust God’s timing knowing from Jeremiah 29:11 that He has a plan for me. As the months wore on, I was confident that God knew what He was doing and I trusted Him. It was not that we were homeless as we lived in a lovely home. But, there were moments when I wondered “when, Lord?”
As I read the scripture that morning, twelve years lit up in neon because in June, we will have lived here for twelve years. And then Jesus said, “Daughter.” That was me. I am His daughter. And she was healed because of her faith. Faith has been my word for 2018. As I wrote in my journal that morning, I praised Him for His words of encouragement to me. And as the weeks went by and no sale, I thought to myself, “It’s not June yet.”
Last Sunday, a realtor called for a showing for a couple from out of town. We hurried home from church to turn on all the lights and grab the dog. Normally, a showing lasts 15-20 minutes so we decided to just sit in the car and wait…and wait…and wait…for an hour. At that point it was too late to go grab lunch and it was 100 degrees. Finally, the car drove away.
I received a call from my realtor about 5:30 that afternoon and she asked me if I believed that the house was sold. I said, “No.” How about for full price? Again, “No.” Well, it has and it was a clean offer with an acceptable closing date in mid June. And she told me that her father has a rental house that we could use until we find something more permanent. I have nothing lined up for the next part of the journey because I didn’t want that pressure or disappointment. I have trusted God all along that He would show me and He gave me more that I could even ask or think about. If He could do it for Abraham, He would do it for me.
The tears started flowing and wouldn’t stop. And then I realized it would be exactly twelve years.
When we moved here, I found a saying in a devotional that I adopted; “God is rarely early but never late.” As I have looked over the challenges of this last year, I know He is right on time. With the next step, my faith is being stretched once again. He has proven Himself faithful over all these months so I know He has just the right place in mind. Yes, Lord, I will trust You.
This is beautiful, perfect, and helpful. I am so happy for you. Let’s get together for a coffee breakfast soon so that we can talk about all this and I can catch up with you. God bless you both
I’m glad you are sharing your story with others. It will encourage a lot of women.