Early in our marriage, my husband and I brought our first home. It was a single family home with 3 bedrooms and an inviting fireplace. Three of our five kids were born while we lived there. This house was a place of fond memories. But at times, it was quite difficult managing a house with kids, a spouse and a fish name Herbie!
We used oil as our source of heat. And I remember the large oil tank sitting at the back of the house. There were times when I was quite concerned because my sons would climb on the tank and jump off when playing. I remember feeling at one time, the heat in the house wasn’t as intense. We blamed it on the weather getting colder. Then one day, we woke up to a very cold house. My husband decided to call the oil company. But I was certain the tank could not have emptied so quickly. So, they came out. Put more oil in the tank. Left.
For a little while, heat. Then silence. Then cold. After a visit from the serviceman, the verdict,
“Your furnace is gone completely out!”
“Hmmmmm, it was not going to last. No one told you?”
Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
There were mixed emotions of anger and worry. We attempted several times to get assistance to no avail. Living paycheck to paycheck, wouldn’t allow for immediate savings. We continued to pray about our situation and looked forward to events that would take us out of the house like church, work, and playtime.
During the day, the kids played outside. At the time, we didn’t have video games, VCRs or anything else that would keep the kids locked to the TV. We had plenty of bikes, trucks, play shovels, balls and a whole lot of imagination!
The fireplace was deep and really wasn’t designed to warm a house. Yet, its purpose had changed. We were burning wood from the yard and paper. At night, we dressed the kids in footed PJ’s, hats and gloves and slept in front of the fireplace. Even though we didn’t have an appreciation for this danger, the Lord never left us.
I reached out to the Crisis center. It was so wonderful to finally get some help.
"How long has the heat been out?"
2 weeks
"How much does it cost to replace?"
$1500
"How many kids are in the house?"
4 kids, 2 infants, 2 year old, 4 year old
"OMG! We have to get you immediate help!"
"Are you married?"
Yes.
Silence………..
More silence………..
"I am sorry Ms Grier. If there is a father in the house, we can’t provide assistance."
I could hear my heart cracking. Tears filled my eyes. I called my husband and gave him the news. He didn’t express an once of worry. ‘Something is going to work out.” So, I tried to stay focused as well. Yet, the butterflies in my stomach wouldn't be still.
One morning, there was a knock on the door. I peeked out the window. I didn’t recognize the ladies on the step. I opened the door and stared blankly. “Yes?” One of the ladies began to speak about the Word the Lord had for me that cold morning. I was blocking the door so they couldn’t see the fireplace and feel the coldness of the house.
Immediately, the lady stopped speaking. She asked me if I had a fire in the fire place. "Yes." She asked what I was burning. "Wood and newspaper. "She asked about the flue, liner an dother parts of the chimney. I had no idea what she asking me. Finally she stated,
"I can see a film of smoke in this room. You wouldn’t have noticed it because it would have been gradual and it’s uniform. But the smoke is not venting out of your house. If you would open your curtains and allow the light in, you would be able to see it.”
I looked around and in the moment I realized how dark it really was in the house. She looked at the ladies and no longer seemed interested in the Bible study. They bid me farewell and I closed the door.
I stroked my fingers on the wall. Soot! An even smooth coat of soot. When I pulled the curtain, I noticed the film on my hands. I could now see the difference in the shades of paint. The blinds were thick with a thin layer of soot that was almost unnoticeable. I was amazed and sad at the same time. I thought about the nights the family was sleeping in front of the fireplace, using our bodies to keep the kids warm. I began to cry thanking God for keeping my babies safe.
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
In that moment of despair, knowing the fireplace was no longer an option, there was strong knock on the door. When I opened the door, it was the Bible study lady. She had something in her hand. A kerosene heater and an oil can! She stated she had this at home for emergencies and she and her husband decided to allow us to use it. I was so overwhelmed. She stated we could use it as long as we needed. My heart was overjoyed. The Lord sent a total stranger to remind me not to worry , but to dwell in His safety. Psalm 4:8.
Here was a lady on a mission to give a mini Bible study. Yet, she recognized another need. And without a whole lot of conversation, took care of the need, prayed with me and left. I will remember this visit from the Lord always.
Eventually, we had to replace the blinds, curtains, paint the inside of the house. And yes, the Lord blessed us with a brand new furnace! All in God’s time.
Many times when we worry, we invite into our lives a constant flow of soot that is so thin we don’t notice it until it effects all the surfaces of our lives. We kept the light out and nothing is allowed to grow in our spirits. The walls of our hearts because dense and filthy. We continue to agonize over the same situation, not acknowledging the pain and suffering that could be pending.
During this time, I was encouraged by my husband's strength. He came home every day with the same jolly disposition he left with. He played and tickled the kids each night as they expected. He never missed an opportunity to hug and kiss me at the beginning and end of every day. He didn’t harbor over the fact there was no heat. He simply gave matter-of-fact information on a need to know basis. Therefore, we lived each day as if the Lord was going to help us. And while we were waiting on help from family, friends, agencies, He sent a total stranger!
So today, if you are living in cold place of worry I want you to just open the door to your heart and receive what God has for you.
He may not come when you want, but He’s always on time. Just a reminder!
He may not send the person you are expecting.
If you don’t allow Light in, your situation will compound itself.
Don’t ignore the signs your situation is getting worst. It may cost you your peace.
Remember it’s not just about you and your decisions will affect others.
Pray and Pray some more!
Can we stop right now and just pray?
Prayer Dear Lord, please hear our prayer. We ask for forgiveness Lord for the times we were impatient in our situation. We are so thankful that even in the worst of times, when we have closed ourselves up, you never left us. We are thankful for opportunities to praise and to worship. Lord, right now today, we are casting our worries on you so that you can use us for the upligting of your Kingdom. ~Amen
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