For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:9

Over the last seven months, my world has felt uprooted. We left my hometown for my husband’s job in Fort Worth. It was fun for a while. We looked for a home, putting in many offers, but nothing landed.

Were there tears of frustration? You bet. Lord, I don’t understand. You promised to provide.

Months marched on, and the window for finding a house in this crazy market was quickly closing. We wanted to move in and get settled before I started work.

But few houses came on the market. The ones that were available were priced high and needed work. We put offers on two houses as one last rally, and were outbid on both.

After this, we decided to step back and reevaluate. Does this mean we need to lease until the housing market calms down? The thought of packing up and moving a year later made my stomach churn, but we opened our search for a rental property. We found a brand-new townhome for rent, and the landlord required a two-year lease. A sense of peace came over us. It seemed leasing was the direction God was leading as everything fell into place.

Although thankful we found something, I was disappointed at the thought of moving again so soon. I felt like God had not provided as He had promised.

God spoke to my heart; I never promised a house to buy. I am providing for your needs, a roof over your head, and a place to call home.

I’m not sure why He has chosen for us to rent. What I do know is that His thoughts and His ways are higher than mine. He sees the big picture, one with eternal significance. I also know that He loves us so much that He will not settle for something good in place of what is best. And for whatever reason, renting right now is best.

Lord, I trust you when it doesn’t make much sense and when it looks different than what I had pictured. I am thankful I can lean on You in uncertain times.

Johna Clemons