We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we will go. Proverbs 16:9
“I’m showing you just how mighty and powerful I really am.” –God
Back in 2013, I started the process to purchase my first home and I was so excited! I was going to live in Washington DC. The District was starting to go through gentrification and provided a lot of financial assistance for first-time homebuyers. Specifically, assistance that did not have income requirements. In the past, every program that I had found, that offered first-time homebuyer’s financial assistance, had an income cap. A month prior to beginning my search, I had received a promotion on my job, Praise God! I had more money to help with all my home buying expenses I would accrue. However, this raise disqualified me for a lot of the assistance programs offered.
Washington DC was an exception. I was going to be able to purchase the home of my dreams and get the financial assistance I needed. Although my income reflected that I made enough money to support the purchase of a new home, I had just received the increase, so my saving didn’t reflect what most lenders require for financing.
I started my search in The District. Most of the programs available required you to purchase in a certain zip code. Although some of those areas had started to diversify/ shift/ gentrify, in my opinion, there were still some aspects that needed improving. I have never been a fearful person, but I did have to operate in wisdom, knowing that I am a female who would be living alone. My active lifestyle and some of the things that I participate in, would sometimes require me to get home at a later than normal time. As I was considering different properties, I had to ask myself, “Is this an area I would feel comfortable walking into my house after getting home late at night?”
After searching for a while and my efforts turning out unsuccessful, I started to question if what I was looking for was attainable. I spoke with my realtor and he suggested we open the search up to include Maryland. I wasn’t too happy with this. If I purchased in Maryland, I wasn’t going to be able to get the assistance I needed and this would alter my entire vision for living in DC. However, after much consideration, I obliged and agreed to start looking for homes in Maryland.
What do you do when your plans and vision for your life begins to shift? Do you oblige or do you rebel? Are you trying to force the hand of God to get what you want?
Prayer: Thank You Lord that You order my steps. There are so many things that I want to accomplish while on this earth, but if You aren’t in it, I don’t want it. Help me to remember; although I may make plans, it is You that decides where I will go. As You are leading me, give me a heart to be obedient immediately. It is in Your son Jesus’ name I pray and give You thanks, Amen!
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