Question:

Our house has not sold, nor have we even had an offer.  I recognize the housing market is depressed, and I am becoming that way myself.  It was our intent to move and rent an apartment in the event the house did not sell.  I am having second thoughts about that, not because I don’t want to move but about what is God’s will.  I feel that if we move outside of God’s will, the move will not be a good one.  I feel when God releases us from this house, then we are in His will to move.

Answer:

The counsel I received years ago is counsel Linda and I have often acted on.  First, I think it’s important that you trust the Lord that he’s going to direct you and that whichever choice you make and however this plays out you’ll be just where he wants you as long as that’s what you want.  Read again Proverbs 3:5-6 for some fresh assurance.

Second, reflect on the following areas of seeking God’s will -

• Scripture: Is there any direct teaching of the Bible on this issue?  (On the issue of whether to sell a house, I’m guessing not!  But there might be principles related to stewardship and wisdom.)
• Prayer: As you talk to the Lord, is there a sense of peace one way or the other?  (This is the most subjective area, but it’s all about your ongoing commitment to letting him direct you.)
• Circumstances: What doors are opening and closing?  (This is where your house sale, of course, enters in.)
• Counsel: Here’s where you listen not only to each other but to your family and friends and others you ask for direction.  (The key is to do as you’ve done with me - just be honest about where you are and what’s going on and see what they say.)

Bottom line - I don’t know that I would overanalyze the house sale from a spiritual perspective - as in seeing that issue alone as one of obedience or disobedience to the signs God is giving you.  Whether you go ahead and move or not may have more to do with whether you can afford to continue paying your house payment (plus an apartment rental) or to accept a lower price on the house during a housing slump.  How does that fit your overall financial picture?  I would weigh that against your motives for moving in the first place and the importance of those reasons.

May God direct your process and the result.  I’m convinced at the end of the road, you’ll see in his hand in all this.  But it won’t necessarily be easy along the way!