In April, my husband and I got a brilliant idea: we would put our house up for sale. Even though naysayers would try to discourage us to not tread this delicate real estate climate, we decided to take the plunge. After all, we weren't desperate to sell and our only reason for doing so was to give our boys a pool. Yes, we would buy a house with a pool and give our boys (and me) some refuge from the long, hot summers of Texas. It was the plan.
If only life were that easy.
In a nutshell, it has been a wild, emotional (for me, not Rod) roller coaster ride dealing with buyers and real estate agents. I have, once again, been faced with the harsh reality that we have very little control over our lives. This is why it is so important to be totally in God's will because whether we like it or not, His will will be done. But some of us have to be beaten over the head to get it....like me.
It started out great. We put our house up for sale, had a few showings and in a matter of 3 weeks, had an offer. However, we soon found ourselves in a web of brutal negotiations and even the buyers' real estate agent was cursing out our real estate agent. (I had no idea bullying was part of an agent's repertoire...but I'm naive that way.) We were threatened with "termination of the contract" if we didn't give into the buyers demands. We didn't budge. They moved forward. Now, with only two days left in their "pending" status on securing their financing, they "may" terminate yet again. It seems that these buyers have decided to put 3 families (ours, the sellers of the house we want to buy and the sellers of the house they need to rent) lives on hold until they make up their minds. The worst part is that I (and the occupants of the house we want to buy) have already started packing! While I am tripping over boxes in my house, and feeling completely sorry for myself, I'm reminded of this certainty: I am not in control.
However, these buyers don't know to whom they are dealing with. For I serve a God who is sovereign. As with ALL things, He works it ALL out for good for those who love Him. This is His personal promise to me, and so, if I do have to unpack, I will thank Him. I will praise Him for knowing our future and directing our paths. AND...this is a big one: I will pray for His mercy and grace on the buyers and the bully real estate agent. For perhaps this is the sole reason why He allowed these people to cross our paths; so that they would be prayed for.
"Thank you, God, for these buyers. Only you know their true intentions, their hearts and their situation. Bless them, Lord. Pour your loving mercy and grace over them. Please help keep my thoughts pure and loving towards them. Show them your love in a huge and substantial way. Give them peace and wisdom as to what to do in this situation. Thank you, God, for the real estate agent. Forgive her for her foul words and manipulative ways. Pour your blessings out on her. Love on her in a such a way that her heart softens towards you. I ask that your mercy and grace overflows for all the families involved. That no bitter feelings will take root. That your sovereign will will be done, in your Holy and precious Name. Amen."
For this I am certain: His mercy and grace is sufficient.
