“From one man God made all the peoples to live in the whole earth, and set the boundaries of their appointed times and the places in which they should dwell.” Acts 17:26
My husband and I grew up in New Jersey. We “resolved” to combine all of our stressful situations into one. I got married, moved several states away from my family, changed jobs, and bought a house. You could say we accomplished it in one go. lol. When we discussed our hopes for a new home, I said to my future husband: “Wouldn’t it be great to live in a brick house right on the water in this particularly coveted neighborhood?” Then we laughed about it and said, “That’s never going to happen.” Before I went to see a real estate agent, I was dreaming about a house. It was a detailed dream where I could see inside the house. I didn’t think much of the dream until a real estate agent showed me a brick bungalow near the bay in that dream town. When I stepped inside, I felt like I had been in that house before, and the dream came back to me. The house looked and felt exactly like my dream, except for the creepy dolls in every room. No, seriously. It felt like something out of a horror movie. lol. The previous owner, who passed away, had collected dolls and they were all still in the house when I showed them. Amazingly, my dreams and aspirations came true. We finally moved into that house!
Although my husband and I were not Christians at the time, I believe that without us realizing it, the Lord had a plan and purpose for us to move away from our families and to another state, and He planted such a desire in our hearts. Thank you so much for listening!
The way the Lord works is amazing. The first house described above is just an expression of God’s kindness, giving us the desires of our hearts before calling out to Him. We lived there for five years and after our first child was born, we took him there. For now, God’s plan has not been revealed to us…
As our family grew, we decided to move several towns, but this time we faced an obstacle to the home we wanted. We kept fighting to get that house, but the real estate agent kept steering us to other houses. By the way, the house looked exactly like another house built by the same builder. There was a beautiful field in the backyard here. However, we were determined to have another home.
Well, God had other plans…we ended up buying a house. The real estate agent continued to push his back against the field. As I got to know my neighbors, I realized they were Christians, but I didn’t really care. She gave me a Bible and said God would speak to me through it. I picked it up and read a little bit, but the Lord did not speak to me. (In reality, without the Holy Spirit, I could not hear the voice of the Lord.)
About a year later, a new neighbor moved in who had a daughter the same age as me. She was also a Christian, and she invited me to a preschool mother’s group and introduced me to a woman named Cindy who I would eventually introduce to the Lord. The rest is God’s story. Through the mother of a preschooler, I became involved in women’s ministry and led a women’s Bible study. About a year after I came to know the Lord, my husband also came to know Him. He is now a pastor! This means that the Lord does set our boundaries for His perfect plan.
Let’s examine some Bible accounts to explain why it’s important to seek the Lord’s direction before choosing your next home.
for his provision
Then the Lord God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to take care of it. Then the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may eat freely.” Genesis 2:15-16
My daughter and grandchildren were looking for a new home. They lived with us for several months while we looked for a new place. During that time, I sought the Lord every day with hope and desire, knowing full well that He was setting our boundaries, but at the same time trusting that He would bless my heart and the desires of my daughters. In the case of daughters, we can certainly seek the Lord’s guidance while expressing our desires and needs. The important thing is to listen to God’s instructions. While we waited for that direction, we felt secure about where God would place them, even though the rental market in our town was expensive and limited. Then came the answer. Everything my daughter and I had prayed for was now available in the perfect home for our small family.
But that wasn’t the end. Over time, it became clear that my grandson needed professional help with his schooling. After all, the schools associated with my daughter’s neighborhood provided everything my grandson needed and more. The Lord knew these needs before we did. He set the border exactly where it would be best for my grandson. Not only that, but there was a lovely Christian family a few doors down who were very interested in my grandchildren, very supportive of my daughter, and fed them.
Listen to the Lord’s instructions so that He can provide for you. The example of Adam and Eve certainly shows that.
for his blessing
“The Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people, and your father’s house, and go to a land that I will show you.'” Genesis 12:1
If Abram was like me, it would not be easy for him to leave his familiar surroundings and family to go somewhere far away. Sometimes we need to experience suffering before we can receive blessings. Unlike Abram, we may be called somewhere without realizing that blessings await us. Imagine the blessings we could miss out on if we didn’t follow that pull.
Don’t be afraid to listen as you wait for the Lord’s guidance before choosing your new home. Trust in the Lord’s mercy. You will ultimately be blessed where God has planted you.
for his protection
“Then God said to Jacob, ‘Go up to Bethel and dwell there, and build there an altar to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.'” Genesis 35:1
God’s protection comes in all shapes and sizes. This doesn’t mean choosing a house that isn’t in a gang, although it would be wise. Rather, it is about God’s protection of us and our choices. The Lord knows our hearts and weaknesses.
For example, we may be tempted to buy a home in a further area beyond our means. If we don’t listen to the Lord’s instructions and move in that direction, all sorts of problems will arise in the future, which can cause great damage to our finances and relationships.
When the Lord establishes our borders, we know that there is safety within those walls. Before choosing a home, ask about its orientation.
for his purpose
“Now the Lord said to Moses in Midian, “Return to Egypt, for all who tried to kill you are dead.”” Exodus 4:19
Years ago when I was growing up in New Jersey, if the Lord had called me to live in another state away from my family and to serve as a pastor’s wife in that area, I would have thought, “That’s crazy!” I was Miss Goody Two Shoes at the time, but I wasn’t living a Christian life or wanting to be one. Add to that my lifelong struggle with anxiety. I’m also an introvert by nature. None of the characteristics of a pastor’s wife seemed to apply to me or what I wanted at the time. If I had had any such foreknowledge, I would not have moved forward in that direction. Frankly, I probably would have gone a different route. But God…
The only person we can obey without thinking is the Lord. God will never lead us to destruction. God wants good things for us. Jesus bought us with a price and wrote purpose into our stories. his purpose. Sometimes that means moving us out of our comfort zone and somewhere else. For others, it may be scaling back and minimizing for God’s purposes to work in the heart. Whatever God’s purpose is, we will be blessed.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you, not to harm you, but plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
By listening to the Lord’s instructions before choosing a home, you may discover His purpose for your life.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Feverpitch
Karen Dell Tattoo is a blogger, author, women’s ministry leader, pastor’s wife, mother, and grandmother who is passionate about God’s Word. Her blog, “Growing Together in Grace and Knowledge,” and her books, “Choosing to Trust God: Breaking the Habit of Worry,” “A 30-Day Devotional,” and “Choosing to Trust God Companion Journal,” reveal her heart offering biblical insights to inspire women to grow in, through, and overcome hardship. Karen and her husband live in Rhode Island and enjoy walking in the woods, petting owls, and spending time with their grandchildren.
