How Bethel Came to Be

When I closed the door on my beloved Daffodil Hill in October, 2009, I never expected to own another house. Following the death of Jimmy, my sweet husband of thirty-one years, and my decision to join a Christian ministry in far-away Michigan, my worldly possessions were reduced to the contents of a one-bedroom apartment. The rest of my home furnishings were sold or given away to family and friends. ( For a glimpse into my former life, visit http://daffodilhill2000.blogspot.com)

Having moved into my small apartment in May, 2009, I was quite content with my simple life as I adapted to a new job and a new culture. Decorating, crafting, entertaining, and other pastimes that were once major aspects of my life now held little appeal. My apartment was cute and cozy, but it quickly reached its potential as a decorating project.

A New Season

That began to change in Fall, 2011, as God reawakened my desire for a home of my own. In October I spent two weeks "back home" in Mississippi with family and friends. Pondering and praying while there, I sensed that I was entering a new season in my life's journey. I returned to Michigan with fresh perspective and fresh surrender to whatever God might have planned for me, and I began to explore new possibilities.

This new season brought several significant changes to my life: a new church, new ministry opportunities, and new educational pursuits as I decided to take a class at a local college. I began looking at houses, and quickly discovered that purchasing a house could be less expensive than renting.

Because my income is quite low, my real estate options were pretty limited, but due to the poor economy there were more possibilities than I might have imagined. During Christmas break I inquired online about a tiny house located near my "adopted family".

In retrospect, I should have realized that God was doing something special because until that night I had never had internet reception in my apartment. Suddenly, I could sporadically access a neighbor's wi-fi. (BTW, I had his permission.) I clicked on "Contact a buyer's agent" on Zillow.com, but my laptop immediately informed me that my request had not gone through. Therefore I was quite surprised when a few minutes later I received a phone call from Tina, a local real estate agent. I made an appointment to look at the little house, but shortly thereafter it was taken off the market - my first closed door. I never even went inside that one.

On January 1, 2012, God drew my attention to 2 Samuel 7:11 - "the Lord tells you that He will make you a house." Was He promising me a home? Perhaps...

Tina sent email links for various properties, and I soon found one that seemed to meet my needs very well. With the approval of my dear friend, A.J., who inspected it carefully, I made an offer on this house on January 11. However, following several counter-offers my bid was rejected by the sellers. I was surprised, but again I accepted this as a door closed by God.

Interestingly, while I was considering this house I had made a mental list of things that would be helpful if it became my home. On that list were: bookshelves, a card table with chairs, a printer, a tv and dvd player, and a fan. Though I mentioned this to no one, within a few days I had been given a printer by my friend Dena, and all of the other items by my friend Miriam!

I grew extremely busy with ministry, classes, and other new things going on in my life, so I put my search for housing on hold. There was nothing in my price range that interested me. It simply was not God's timing.

God Shakes Things Up

Then, inexplicably, on Monday, March 12, I awoke with persistent thoughts of buying a house. I thought to myself, "Why am I even thinking about this? I don't want to buy a house. I don't have time to deal with this right now." Yet the thoughts lingered. Within two hours of the time I arrived at work, two houses had been proposed to me by two different people, both unsolicited by me. By Wednesday evening, I had been made aware of seven possibilities by four different people. It was obvious that God was shaking things up in the housing arena.

One of those houses was presented to me via an email from Tina. I drove over to check it out and immediately made an appointment to view it. I was seriously impressed! Though older, this house had been immaculately maintained. I fell in love with it, had A.J. inspect it, and made an offer on it that Friday. Because my offer was a good one, I had every expectation of it being accepted, but to my disappointment the sellers removed this house from the market without explanation.

If you know me, you are aware that I sincerely want only God's will for my life. Though my journey has included some extremely difficult twists, turns, and detours, my policy is to accept what God allows, trusting Him to use it for good. Therefore I received this unexpected news as yet another door closed by Him.

Baffled as to why, through His Word and much prayer, God would continually lead me to pursue houses only to have them snatched away, I desperately searched for His will in the matter. I continued to look at houses with Tina, but nothing compared with the immaculate little cottage I had so eagerly anticipated becoming my home.

The Lord Will Provide

Finally, on March 22, with little optimism, Tina showed me a pathetic little fixer-upper in a great neighborhood. This house had ancient carpet throughout, and the kitchen was absolutely disgusting. Literally everything in this place was outdated. Much to both Tina's surprise and mine, I was intensely drawn to it anyway, and began to seriously consider it.

There was a major hurdle, however. The owner had listed it in November, 2010, at $74,900, and had only gradually and very reluctantly reduced the price to $59,900. I wasn't willing to pay anywhere near that much for it. Again A.J. inspected it thoroughly, admitted that it needed a lot of work, but also agreed that it was a feasible project if I wasn't in a hurry to get it all done. I researched prices for materials, and decided that for the right price it would be a worthwhile investment.

That Saturday, March 24, in my quiet time, God led me to pick up a daily devotional book that I no longer read regularly. When my eyes fell on the entry for March 22 (the day I found this house), I knew He was speaking to me. It was an incredible account of God's provision that concluded with Genesis 22:14 - "Abraham called the name of the place, 'The-Lord-Will-Provide'." (Jehovah Jireh)

This verse and the illustrative story lingered in my thoughts as I prepared to go out for the day. Consequently, I prayed that if God wanted me to pursue this house He would have someone say to me (in person, via email, Facebook, text, etc.) these words: "The Lord will provide." I carried out my plans for the day, all the while praying for God to make His will clear. When I checked my messages later that night, guess what I read? My friend, Toy, with whom I correspond infrequently, had written, "The Lord will provide".

Through Del, a substitute speaker on Sunday morning, the Holy Spirit brought to my attention the story of Jacob in Genesis. Some verses that leaped out at me were:

"How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God (Beth el)... Genesis 28:17

"Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone. Genesis 35:3

"And Jacob called the name of the place where God spoke with him, Bethel."  Genesis 35:15

Also, "For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations." Isaiah 56:7

I offered $40,000 on Monday afternoon, knowing that the likelihood of acceptance was small. On Tuesday I learned that there were two other offers on this house. What?!! After one-and-a-half years on the market with no offers, suddenly there were three at the same time??? Realizing that God was doing something I couldn't understand, I prayed fervently for His will. I wanted this house only if it was His will for me to have it. I asked Him to speak through the seller, having her refuse my offer if this house was not in His plan for me.

Still, I sensed that this was going to be my home. God continued to impress upon me the verses about Bethel, the Lord will provide, and a house of prayer. I decided that, if indeed this little dwelling were to become my own, I would name it "Bethel", and it would be a house of prayer. I trusted Jehovah Jireh to provide everything needed to make this place a home that He could use for His work and His glory.

Before I even submitted my offer, a woman named "Jan" whom I have never met offered me some very nice items that are specifically needed for my Bethel. Through her via my friend Sarah, God has provided kitchen cabinets, appliances, a dining room suite, chairs for the sun room, a bathroom vanity, possibly a bed, and some smaller items. I almost wept when I saw a set of white dishes to be included in the china cabinet. You see, my own cherished white dishes had to be left behind when I moved from Mississippi. Never doubt that God cares about every little detail of our lives!

Would God provide so specifically if He wasn't going to give me this house? I didn't think so, but having experienced so many closed doors I tried not to let my hopes rise too high. After all, He had fulfilled my wish list for the first little house. (In retrospect I realized the difference. The items on the initial list can be used in any house. The items on the latter list were quite specific to Bethel. I could not have used those items in any of the other houses!)

On Wednesday afternoon, Tina called to tell me that the seller didn't like any of the three offers, but the listing agent was gently prodding her toward a decision. At last on Thursday afternoon, I learned that my offer had been chosen, but the seller had countered $50,000. Immediately I countered back $45,000, my maximum and final offer. An hour later the long-awaited verdict came down: my offer was accepted!

After the fact I realized that God had allowed the competing bids so that the seller would be willing to accept mine. Reluctant as she was to lower the price, she would never have considered my offer if it had not been the best of three. I also realized how productive the frustrating search for a house was for me. Through each closed door experience I learned some valuable things and refined my preferences. Also, I would never have considered this particular house if I hadn't been well acquainted with the other options. Everything happens for a reason!

I signed the final contract after 5:00 that afternoon, then drove to my office to get my mail and check email. In my mailbox was a card from Daniel and Sara, and on the front of that card were these words: "Jehovah Jireh, The Lord will provide. Ebenezer, The Lord our Rock, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." Further confirmation of God's precious promise to provide!

On Friday, I received an email from James, a co-worker who had prayed with me after hearing about the competing offers. It read: "How wonderful it is knowing 'the Lord is our Provider'. The word "provider' actually comes from two words, 'pro' 'video', which means 'before or first' and 'seen'. Before we have a need, He has already seen the answer."

God saw the need of His child whose heart needed a home. He also sees many other needs to which He wants to minister through this humble dwelling. Sometime in April this little cottage called "Bethel" will become mine, but it has already been given back to the great and loving God who so generously placed it in my hands. From top to bottom, it is the "house of God", a refuge for weary, hurting people who need encouragement and hope.

It is also a "house of prayer". It was acquired through my own intense and fervent prayers as well as the plentiful prayers of others who have faithfully brought this matter before the Lord. It will daily be filled with prayer as I worship my Jehovah Jireh and seek to serve Him, and it will always be open to others who desire to come there in search of Him.

Some of my friends are probably a bit skeptical, fearing that I have taken on a project that is too large for a petite middle-age widow who can hardly lift a two-by-four. Indeed I have! And therein lies the wonder of it all because God has to do this. I would be crazy to attempt a project of this magnitude if God had not so clearly given this house to me, but because He did give it to me I know He is going to provide all of the materials, furnishings, and labor necessary to make it function as He intends. All credit and glory will belong to Him!

Description of Bethel

My soon-to-be-home, built in 1950, is a 1015 square foot ranch house with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. It includes a sun room, full basement, and attached garage. It is part of a well-established neighborhood in a desirable area with some very nice houses. Located on a quiet dead-end street, it will give me a safe place to get out and walk regularly, an activity I have greatly missed since leaving Daffodil Hill. My yard has mature trees, shrubbery, roses, and spring flowers. I even spotted a few daffodils!

Professional Inspection

A professional home inspector named "Joe" has passed the house with enthusiasm. He did not sugarcoat her issues or minimize in any way the work that lies ahead, but he could see her potential and pronounced her a good investment. The house is essentially in good shape where it matters. It just needs a considerable amount of updating. There are no structural issues, mold, or any problems that warrant concern. She's just a diamond in the rough that needs a lot of TLC.

Plan of Action

Demolition Day is tentatively set for Saturday, April 28. Volunteers are being enlisted to come in and remove all of the old carpet, kitchen cabinets, and appliances. A commercial dumpster will be rented for disposal of all the crud. After everything has been discarded, the cleaning will begin.

Once the place is reasonably clean, friends have offered to help me paint the entire interior. Hopefully that will happen in a timely manner so that some guys can come in and lay laminate flooring throughout. Paint and flooring will totally transform this little house. At that point I plan to move in even though renovation will continue for a long while.

This is going to be a lengthy project that requires much patience and commitment, but I am thrilled to have the opportunity. I am not hesitant to tackle it or to live in an unfinished house because Jimmy and I worked on home improvement projects throughout our life together. God has clearly spoken. I have total confidence that He Who began a good work will be faithful to complete it.