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Temporary Housing

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Sometimes we like where we live.  Sometimes we do not. Sometimes the plumbing works, the neighbors are nice, and the weather is comfortable.  Other times things break, and a break in the weather is only a wish. Sometimes we get what we wish for. Sometimes we do not.  Sometimes we get what we pray for. Other times, prayer is not answered according to our timeline or expectation.  

 

Where is our rest when we don’t like where we “live”, when it seems as if God is not coming through?  Sometimes we say, “Well, there must be a reason”, and quote Romans 8:28 as a well meaning comfort. Sometimes it is a comfort, God is Sovereign.  Sometimes we get hung up on knowing the reason, and while all things may work together for good, in our limited humanity we are not capable of seeing all things let alone how they ultimately work together.  For those who see the cup half empty, the idea that all things work together for a reason can invoke fear. What if the reason for a particular trial is preparation for  a greater trial? For those who see the cup half full, the idea that all things work together may invoke an expectation that resolution is just around the corner. If it is a matter of a lifetime versus a matter of days till we reach that corner, expectation may turn to disappointment.

 

Ultimately the rest our souls long for is not found in a reason for our pain.  While it is somewhat helpful to know God never wastes a pain, it is more helpful to be reminded that someday there will be no more pain.  This life is temporary housing, all of it. Our dreams, our health, our comforts, our relationships (or lack thereof). Rather than focusing on the better housing situation that may be around the corner, or the blessing in disguise of a broken window, let’s focus on our promise of a perfect and everlasting dwelling.  Let us remember that Jesus is with us and for us. Our temporary housing situations may improve tomorrow, then again they may not. Either way, He is here to help in the midst of our less than optimal circumstances, and He is preparing an eternal dwelling that could not be better.  

 

We should make the most of the lives we are given.  This is temporary housing, but for the duration we are here.  If we have a broken window and are able to fix it, we should do so.  If at times a window shatters and we cannot fix it, we ask the Lord to fix it.  We can trust Him, even if He does not. Our hope is not just in His ability to fix our fixer uppers, but in His ability to give us new dwellings in a new land.  

 

Improvements in temporary housing are nice, but a better and permanent dwelling is nicer.  In the uncomfortableness of the temporary, may we find comfort in His promise that-

 

“‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” 2 Corinthians 12:9.

 

And may we find hope in the city we travel toward.

 

“The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass.  The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.  And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.”  Revelations 21:18-21 (ESV)  

 

As for now, sometimes we like our temporary dwellings, sometimes we do not.  If we do not particularly like something we are free to change, let’s change it.  But if there are things we do not like that we cannot change, let’s not despair. Eternity lasts forever.  This housing is only temporary.

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