101119 Beracah

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of our victory-giving God! Our battles are opportunities for God to show His power and love in delivering.

Jehoshaphat faced an immense battle in II Chronicles 20. A great multitude of Moabites and Ammonites united to invade Judah, and Jehoshaphat was afraid. In his desperation, he sought God. He acknowledged God's might and power (v. 6). He recalled how God had delivered in the past (v. 7) and reviewed the new threat (vs. 10-11). He reminded God of His promise to deliver when His people called on Him (v. 9). Then he made a great prayer in verse 12; my paraphrase is "God, this is too hard for us, and we don't even know what to do, but we know You can help."

The prophet told the people not to fear because the battle belonged to God (v. 15). The people were to go out and watch as God delivered them. That's exactly what happened. The people went out in the morning, trusting in God, and God turned the invading armies against each other. They destroyed each other until only corpses remained (vs. 23-24).

Jehoshaphat and the people spent three days gathering all the spoil, and on the fourth day, they gathered in the valley of the battle and praised God. They named that valley "Beracah," which means "blessing."

You may remember that I have been in an extended housing search, with specific needs related to my health. On the day I read this Bible story, I was awaiting the answer on an offer I had made. This particular house was the one I loved best of everything I had considered. It had the features I needed, and even a few extras, like an attached carport, and it was just around the corner from very good friends. The whole process of finding and considering this house was an amazing story, and it made me say, "Wow. Now I know why God closed all the other doors." God gave me incredible peace, even through the complications that arose in the process of this property. This house seemed like the very definition of "blessing."

As I read Jehoshaphat's prayer, I related. Yes, this process of looking for a house had been way too hard for me. Over and over again, I had found myself not knowing what to do. I had constantly been in desperate need of God's help. This Bible story was perfect for my situation and for that day in particular, as I anticipated the answer. I determined that if God provided this amazing house, I would name it "Beracah."

That house fell through. I had thought for sure this was the one. But I then decided that no matter what house God gave me, it would be His blessing. Therefore, whatever and whenever He finally supplied, the house would still be named "Beracah."

Less than a month later, I signed an order for a new manufactured home. This was not the answer I had been looking for and was not my personal preference; however, my Christian realtor suggested this solution, recalling how God had clearly closed every possibility we had looked at for almost a year. He suggested that God might be doing that on purpose to move me in a different direction.

After some research, I took steps toward purchasing the manufactured home. At first, I felt like I was settling - kind of a resigned "I guess that's the best I can do." As I continued to move forward, however, I came to be convinced that it really is the best I can do, and that this home is just right for my particular situation.

I had several foundational requirements for a home. First, that it be affordable. This is by far the most affordable thing I considered and will free up much money over the years that I can use for more important things. Second, that it be healthy. For me, the newer, the better; this is absolutely brand new, and because it is built in a protected environment, some potential effects of structure damage are avoided. Third, that it be manageable (as far as upkeep). This singlewide is the simplest home I looked at, designed to be low maintenance, and because it is new, should have very few maintenance issues for many years. It is a manageable size for me and doesn't have all the extras of unneeded rooms or energy-intensive landscaping. Fourth, I really wanted one-floor living. This has steps only to enter the house, no troublesome basement, and everything on one floor, including laundry.

God gave the right answer. He confirmed that answer through several sermons and through absolute peace and confidence in His plan. God gave the victory! Construction is now finished, and my home is installed. We are finishing up taking care of utilities and inspections, and moving day is October 26. Praise God!

I share this as an example of the victory God gives. I hope it will be an encouragement to you that God does answer, even though it may take a while, and that He gives the best answer when we seek His guidance and wait on Him.

I also share it because I want my home to be a blessing to others, including you. I have a guest room, and I offer it to you. I'll have to learn how to be a hostess, and I'll have to figure out what to do for meals, which is not my strongest point, but these things can be figured out. My heart is toward you, and I would be happy to have you stay with me or stop in for a visit if it ever fits your travels. I invite you to Beracah!

Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com