I remember in 1998 we made arrangements to lease-to-own the house in the photo above in Cary, North Carolina. Shelly had seen an ad for this house for sale by owner on a bulletin board at the Cary Family YMCA. We didn’t have a down payment so the sellers graciously allowed us to lease it and considered the monthly payments toward the earnest money.
When the time came for us to buy the house an inspection showed multiple things the bank required to be done in order for them to underwrite the mortgage. I remember being sick at my stomach because I felt this was going to keep us from getting the house. We didn’t have the funds. I felt pressured from the bank. I felt pressured from the seller.
I remember praying and asking God to guide us. I was learning that when I was restless and fearful that I could find peace in his presence. As I sat there quietly before the Lord I remember sensing God’s guidance to ask the seller to do three things. I thought, “they will tell us to hit the road”. These three things were going to cost them thousands of dollars! They had already make it very clear they were doing us a huge favor.
It took a lot of courage but eventually I called and spoke to the husband. I assured him we really wanted to buy the house but we needed them to take care of these three things. He was so angry. I remember him saying, “you have to be kidding me”. Which was exactly what I had told God he would say. But God instructed me to fear him not the sellers. I told the husband, “if you will do these three things then we will buy the house”. He said, “I can’t believe it” and hung up.
I was conflicted because on one hand I felt the house and all our lease payments were in jeopardy. On the other hand I felt victory that I had done what God had guided me to do. You see, God had not assured me we would get the house. He just told me my next step of obedience. I was learning to seek God’s guidance moment by moment.
That evening the husband called me back and said, “my wife and I have talked about it and if you promise to buy the house we will do all three things you asked.” I said, “we will definitely buy the house!” They invested thousands of dollars and did the three things. The bank gave the loan. We bought the house.
God used that to teach me that we are at his mercy and not the mercy of man.
“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” -Matthew 10:27.
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About Kevin White
Kevin White is a Christian pastor, international speaker, and an international best-selling author. As a writer, Kevin’s newest book, Audacious Generosity, is a best new Christian Book of 2020. Audacious Generosity was an instant international best seller in India and the United States of America. Audacious Generosity is the New Book to Read in 2021. Look for it among Christianity books on Amazon and everywhere books are sold. Kevin’s why for life is to extend access to Jesus to all people world-wide. Kevin loves to motivate people how to encounter the presence of God in their everyday life.
As a seasoned entrepreneur, Kevin has started and helped start hundreds of businesses, churches, and nonprofit organizations. Kevin is an expert in church leadership and business development. Kevin’s shepherd’s heart can be seen in his speaking and writing. He integrates Biblical principles and worship into everything he does. Kevin’s strategy is to help people transform into the likeness of Jesus. Find more from Kevin White including his blog, podcast shows, YouTube Channel, and Generously Blessed 1MM One Minute Motivational Series at https://kevinwhite.us
About Global Hope India
Kevin White is the Founder/Executive Director of Global Hope India, a Christian mission organization focused on sharing the gospel in India and among Indian Nationals world-wide. We facilitate virtual mission teams to India and short-term mission teams in-person in India. These teams empower the church in India with pastoral training, youth pastor training, children’s ministry, church planting strategy, church planting ministry, and medical missions.
Global Hope India is a Christian charity that raises funds for India. 92% of every dollar given benefits gospel outreach projects in India such as church planting, orphan care, clean water projects, bibles, medical clinics, etc. Our partners in India serve the Baptist mission in India, Church of God in India as well as independent Christian churches. We do one thing – advance the gospel in India. We do it in one way – through the local church in India. Join us today by praying for India, giving to God’s work in India and going virtually or in person to make disciples in India. Find out more information at https://globalhopeindia.org