My family had lived in a two-bedroom apartment since we had moved in ten years ago. I’d thought little of buying a new house because the housing prices here were extremely high and the rent we paid at a reasonable price. Until one Sunday morning as I was listening to the pastor’s message in my church, the Holy Spirit (or God’s revelation) prompted me to go ahead to buy a house where the students could be gathered and I could share the gospel with them. I was so excited that I told my wife the revelation of God I received from him after returning home. Then we visited many real estate agencies in my neighborhood and told them we’re looking for a house adjacent to my school where I taught. Later another Sunday afternoon on my way home from the church I received a call from a real estate broker, asking us if we’re interested in a house meeting my requirements. As we arrived at the house, the owner happened to be there. After exchanging some information, we decided to buy that house on the spot. Since then it has been more than four years.

This experience reminds me of King David who was zealous to build God a house since he lived in the palace while the ark of God was under a tent (1 Chronicles 17:1). However, through Nathan the prophet God said to David, “You are not the one to build a house for me to live in. I have never lived in a house, from the day I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until this very day” (vv. 4-5). Rather, God said to him, “I will build you a house” (v. 11).

It is human fallacy that we can make decisions on our own, having the right to do this and that. We determine our future or destiny. Is it true we are able to “manipulate” the way we desire? In Proverbs 3:5 we read, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understand.” Let us humble ourselves and keel down before the Lord saying, “Examine my heart and have your will fulfilled in my life.”