God’s lavish love – I am overwhelmed today, by God’s lavish love.
I have had the desire to buy a home for the last few years. We have thought that we were ready and gone looking a couple of times. Each time we were given a definite “No, not now.”
Through an inheritance and the timely sale of a small property, we have recently been able to build a little bit of a nest egg. My baby starts high school next year (Wow, that just sounds wrong! Where did the time go?). If we are going to make a move, its now or another 4 years minimum. It would be nice to retire sometime, and not have to pay rent. Maybe now, is this the time, God?
I searched scripture for appropriate ways to pray for such a gift. I wanted God’s timing and wisdom in this big decision. I feel like His “No’s” have been His way of taking care of us. The time was just not right. He has always, ALWAYS, been so faithful in this area of need. Every place we have lived has been a blessing to us. His timing in our moves has always been perfect. So, I found my scriptures and I took my request to God.
I asked God to show me, somehow, maybe through some kind of “Aha!” moment, when we found the right house. As soon as I saw the very first online picture of this house – I knew – this is the one! As I went through the other pictures, and as we eventually toured the house, I kept looking for the thing to prove myself (and God) wrong. Something would not be right, something about it would not suit us. That moment never arrived.
We are now in the process of buying this house. I can’t believe that God would give us such a wonderful gift! This is my dream house! I don’t deserve this! God, I don’t deserve this! Are you sure? Am I misreading something?
But then, wait – do I, do any of us, deserve ANY gift that God chooses to give us? Here is where I am amazed and overwhelmed by God’ great love. This is Easter Sunday. The most wonderful day of the whole year because it celebrates God’s most wonderful gift to us. The giving of the life of His Son, our Savior, Jesus. But wait – there’s more! He is resurrected, He lives! His Spirit is with us to guide us through life, through decisions like – like buying a house!
God loved us so much. He sent His one and only Son, that if we just believe in Him, we have eternity in heaven with Him, in His glory. Why would He do such a thing? I don’t know. But I am so glad He did. Why would Jesus lay down His life just to spend eternity with me? I don’t know, I don’t get it. But I am sure glad He did. He must love me, even with all my mistakes, stubbornness, scars and baggage. He must. Why would His Spirit care where I live, care whether it’s a shack, a mansion or somewhere in between? Why? It must be love.
I am humbled by the reality that I don’t deserve this home. I am even more humbled by the reality that I don’t deserve the grace God, from the beginning of time, has chosen to give me.
Today, I am overwhelmed by the lavishness of God’s love for us. In little things, in big things, in eternal things. Thank you, God. All I can do is say “Thank you” and strive in some way, to try to deserve what I never truly can. Thank you.
