Vision

I Didn’t See What Justin saw in the house, but I trusted him

When we visited this home, I could tell from the tone of Justin’s voice that he was really excited about it. I liked the land, but the house was another story. It was disgusting, as in the mom voice “don’t touch anything” kind of disgusting. (Sorry previous owner. I know you were doing your best.) (You can read the fuller story here.)

What I saw was literal darkness (the lights weren’t on) and years old dirt. I saw a sad story in a heartbroken single man who had recently lost his mom and was just trying his best in this world. I saw the worn down path in the 30 year old blue carpet that he and his mom had walked over and over from the front door to the kitchen. I saw the bathroom I wouldn’t let my kids use. I saw the roach traps on the kitchen counters and spider traps on the floor.

I saw what was.

But not Justin.

He saw what would be.

He saw all the walls torn down and an open space filled with people. He saw a place that would be used for gatherings and worshiping. A place where friends could come and just be. Where people would feel comfortable and welcome. He could see what was to be.

Fast forward 18 months and I feel this house has become that.

We do a monthly gathering with a large group of friends and it is nothing but fun, but last night was different.

Last night, our community group gathered at our home because the usual home had to cancel due to kiddos being sick. Over 25 people gathered in our living room and shared where they had seen God at work the previous week. We talked about testimonies and revelations. How faithful God is and how He will show up in the coming hard times different people are facing. We shared and we prayed together. I cried.

And as powerful as all that was, seeing the vision God gave Justin play out right in the same living room that was dark and depressing less than 2 years ago, was moving. To see God use our home as a place for people to be prayed over, encouraged, and healed is humbling. To be prayed over in the middle of 20 people on my very own coffee table is powerful.

What a testimony to share! What a joy to be a part of! And what a gift that people would want to come to our house and share their stories. May this home continue to be used to gather His people. A refuge in the midst of all the chaos and confusion of this world. May it continue to be used as He sees fit and may friends near and far make themselves at home here.