Surrendering to God's Surprising Ways “I’ve got to get out of here!”

By Nicole Roth 

God's Surprising Ways

It was 2008; we had small children, and our Texas home had a fenced yard bordered by a veteran who seemed mentally unstable. He would climb his ladder, peer into our yard, comment on our dogs, and it all made me very nervous. I wanted out. Immediately. 

I shared my desire with my husband, and although he wanted me to feel secure in our home, he was in no hurry to move. Despite his lack of interest, I decided we had to leave. 

Tabs were constantly open on my computer to all the main real estate sites. I researched incessantly, and this issue consumed my thoughts. 

Our pastor invited the church to take part in a month-long fast at that time. As I asked the Lord how He wanted me to participate, He very clearly said to shut it all down. No more idolatry of home searching. Then He whispered this promise to me: “I have your house picked out, and it’s going to come about in a surprising way.” 

I obeyed. I deleted all the apps, closed all the open tabs, and decided to trust the Lord. I gave Him my list of desires…one story home, flat backyard big enough for a swing set, near nature, wood floors, at least 3 bedrooms, and still within driving distance for Dave to work. 

Once the fast had ended, I resumed the home search, but this time with a clear head. The idolatry was gone. One day, I drove about 10 minutes north of our home to a different neighborhood I had never been to. As I drove in, an undeniably strong wave of peace washed over me. I figured this was going to be where our home would be. 

I met with the saleswoman and gave her my list of wants. I told her we wanted a home in their spec home inventory to save money. Plus, I didn’t want to make one zillion decisions for a custom build. She gave me the list of all the available homes in inventory, and over the next few weeks, I toured them all. 

Each time, I would come away disappointed because they all had carpet throughout, and that was a deal breaker for me given the health struggles I had following my dad’s suicide. Each home seemed like a dead end. 

Over that time, my husband had warmed up to the idea of moving, and one evening we drove through the neighborhood that brought such peace. We toured the currently available homes, including one that had just begun construction. Nothing really jumped out. 

A few weeks later, we were shocked to receive a phone call from our saleswoman saying they could take $40K off the price of any available spec homes if we could close within a rapid amount of time. Suddenly, my husband became motivated to find our right-fit home! 

The night he drove to the neighborhood, he asked if I wanted to go. It seemed a bit fruitless since I knew exactly what was available and why each one wasn’t a fit. I urged him to go alone, and I stayed back with the kids. 

Soon, I received a call from him. “Nicole, I think I found our house.” He began describing the home he was standing in. One story, wood floors, large flat backyard, and more. I was so confused. I was sure I was up to date on everything that was available. He replied, “Remember, we went through that one when it was just beginning construction? Now it’s finished.” 

I was speechless. Another wave of peace came over me. This certainly was coming about in a “surprising way,” and I had confirmation that this was our hand-selected-by-God home. I exclaimed, “Buy it!” 

He did! After our closing, the saleswoman drove to our home, gave us the keys, and I recounted the story to her, including the fact that I had never stepped foot in the house we were buying. She was dumbfounded. Who buys a house sight unseen when they don’t have to? 

Apparently, me! I drove to our new house, walked inside, and fell in love. It was exactly what I 

would have selected from the wood floors, outside brick, fireplace mantle, granite color, cabinets, and more. 

It was another kiss from heaven, reminding me I don’t need to control or manipulate the affairs of my life. He is more than able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all we can ask or imagine, according to Ephesians 3:20. He certainly moves in surprising ways to bless His children! 

Nicole Roth

Nicole Roth is a Joy Coach and Author guiding the “hard on herself” faith-first entrepreneur from depletion to delight in her relationships, health, and calling by abiding in Jesus through a revelation of grace. Wife, Mom, nature-loving adventurer