THE CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING CITY
Hebrews 13:14, 15

Our house on Collins Road was a dream and a nightmare. Shortly after we purchased it and moved into a beautiful country setting, the bottom fell out of the economy, causing remodeling jobs to grind to a halt, taking with it Ken’s business. We loved our five acres, even though it also brought on things like never-ending mowing and severe snow conditions. Too, with all seven of us active in many things, we spent a lot of money for gasoline!

We moved in on Matt’s 12^th birthday and lived there for nearly four years. The kids took a bus to and from school each day. We lived there when Nate left for the Army. The layout of the house was wonderful for entertaining! I remember one time we invited the whole church over after the cantata which Ken directed. Over 100 people had a grand time at our house that night. In addition, the house was like a second home for our children’s friends.

As each month passed, we became a little more behind in our mortgage payments. We felt ourselves “going under.” How we struggled financially, but more than that, how we struggled with God! Looking back, we should have done things differently, but at the time, we did what we thought was best. Such an agony it is moving with five children. We tried everything to stay afloat.

It was gradual, but our awareness of the necessity to make a move stared us in the face. After some research, we decided to sign the house back to the bank “in lieu of foreclosure.” We were told that since it was a VA loan, this would be the wisest thing to do.

I remember well the day I drove to Ken’s jobsite to get his signature on the necessary papers…and I remember well the two messages on his face…defeat and hope. Our hug said the same thing. Soon after, we received a notice by mail as to when we would need to be out of the house.

On a sunny October day, my mother and I and kids left the house for an excursion. Upon realizing that I had forgotten something at home, I turned the car around, and made the trek back. As I drove up the long driveway, I saw a paper posted on the door. I knew what it was right away. Yet, something like a hand gripped my heart.

Leaving the family in the car to run in for my forgotten items…glad for a chance to compose myself…I flew to my room and fell on my knees. “Oh, God,” I cried, “give me a verse!”

Like a shot, the words from Hebrews came: “We have here no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” My Bible was close by. I ran to Hebrews 13. I read the next verse. “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”

For ten minutes, I stayed on my knees, a steady stream of God’s blessing converging upon my soul. “Thank you, O Lord, thank you,” I said aloud upon this constant flow of recollection of God’s goodness, tears abundant. Very truly, my heart was set at ease. The edict pronounced that my continuing city would “disappear” in fifteen days, but my heart was turned towards Home.

Out to the car I went, red eyed, but peaceful from way down deep. Two things were on my mind: how unimportant things are, and the city “which has foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God.” And I had a new assurance of God’s watchful eye and care.