Since we sold the townhouse in the summer of 2021, I have prayed for God to lead us to the next place He has chosen for us. Although we planned for the one bedroom apartment to accommodate us for just a few months, God designed a longer stay. The apartment has been home for nearly two years.
Nevertheless, I believed and trusted that God planned a place for us to settle into with space to offer hospitality, make memories with our growing family, and provide a small area for Grace to run untethered. I found it challenging at times through the past few years to trust in God’s timing and ways. I waited, prayed, and looked at possible places nearly everyday.
In what areas of life does God draw you to trust His timing and ways? Lean into Him. He is trustworthy (Psalm 33:4).
Place – a building or area used for a specified purpose or activity, a person’s home.
In unpredictable and gracious fashion, God provided a place for us to settle. This place offers just the right amount of space to live for the years to come. Boxes, tape, legal documents, and exhaustion befriend us.
Packing up to move requires patience, perseverance, and perspective. At times placing objects in boxes seems more like a game of Tetris, Jenga, or Pick-Up-Sticks. Grace enjoys her new game of grabbing packing paper and shredding it in seconds. I find myself overwhelmed at times unearthing the accumulation of items. Behind cabinet doors collections of things of which I have more than I need await the moving process. For example, eight pairs of kitchen tongs, three extra large tubs of hand wipes, multitudes of mismatched tupperware, and dozens of travel size shampoo containers. Although not absolutely necessary, I find myself cleaning and organizing as I pack to simplify before moving into the new place.
What “collections” exist in the place you live or work? Is it time to clean and organize, simplifying the belongings under your care?
I have wept over the kindness of God in providing a place for us. As I drive to and from the home, I praise God for His extravagant goodness and love. The view of the Foothills reveals His beautiful, grand, and creative work. He chose this place for us. It is a gift of grace from God. I marvel at God’s sweet attention to detail and the tender expression of His provision.
Take a moment to look at the place God has provided for you. Have you praised and thanked God lately for His care for you? Offer gratitude to God for His attention and care for your needs.
The places we live serve eternal purposes. God’s plan for bringing about His kingdom occurs in the places He puts us. Whether we live in in a tiny apartment, large mansion, in the city, on a ranch, or in the desert, God fulfills His intentions in those spaces. Each place offers opportunities to live in obedience to God, share the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ, and delight in the provision and protection of God.
Be curious about the eternal purposes God fulfills through the place you live. In what ways do you let His light and love flow through you in that place?
The Bible gives account of people trusting God’s timing and ways as they followed Him into new places. In Genesis, God directed Abram: “The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). God used Abraham from that place to bless all the peoples of the world. Later, God declared to Israel as they wondered in the desert (because of their disobedience), that He would bring them “to the place” He had prepared for them (Exodus 23:30). The place God chose for Israel to settle pointed to the One True God and drew humankind to know Him and live for Him alone.
While through history God has provided many places, I notice God’s invitation to wonder about the ultimate place He prepares for us. Jesus described it this way: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2-3). Jesus prepares a place for us and someday we will join Him there.
Our tender and extravagant God prepares a place of everlasting joy, holy goodness, and constant communion with Himself. It will be a place of unimaginable beauty, peace, freedom, and significance. Now, that will be the most amazing place!
Imagine the magnificent place God prepares for us in Heaven. Thank Him.
Although we enjoy the places God chooses for us on earth, let’s look forward to the perfect place He prepares for each of us. It will be the place of His eternal kingdom. A place that lasts forever where God’s timing and ways prevail. Until that day, follow the apostle Peter’s exhortation with me: “What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming….since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him” (2 Peter 3:11-14).
Follow Soulcare Anchoress on instagram: soul_careanchoress
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
1 Corinthians 2:9 – However, as it is written:“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love him
Hebrews 11:16 – Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Randy Alcorn. Heaven: A Comprehensive Guide to Everything the Bible Says About Our Eternal Home. Carol Stream, IL. 2004.
Charles F. Stanley. The Gift of Heaven. Nashville, TN. 2017.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Adrenaline. Big House. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4WwQxmtb-s
Bethel Music, Bethany Wohrle, Dante Bowe. Prepare the Way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNlUKjlQO-w
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
March 22 – Littleton, CO
South Fellowship Women’s Group.