Traveling the Rock Road

Last week I spoke of a situation where I learned a lesson in life in the arena of owning rental property. Had that been the only one I needed, things might have been better from that point on; unfortunately that would not be the case.

After the encounter with the couple who stuck us deeply financially by not paying the rent and the damages they did to the apartment, I swore to get tougher on who I’d trust from then on. But it is hard to break some habits, like being a sucker for a sad story. Again and again someone would approach me who needed a hand to get back on their feet, and again and again I would forgo the 1^st month’s rent and/or the security deposit, only to get farther behind on my bills. Over a period of time the situation got worse and I got behind on the mortgage. To try and make up the difference in money, I would transfer from my personal account to offset the loss on the apartments, which then only resulted in hardship on me and my family. I began working extra jobs and doing everything possible to bring in more money. When the end came of my dream of financial bliss from investing in real estate, I was so far in debt I figured I’d have to work until the age of 100 to get out from under everything! Besides owing several financial institutions, I got behind in taxes and the big boys at the I.R.S. froze all my assets until something could be worked out.

One late night while sitting in my car dejected with life and depressed to almost a point that I didn’t want to live anymore, I let God have it with both barrels.  “God, why did you let this happen?!! You know I was going to build a business that would bring you glory, and now look at the mess I’m in! I love you, how could you do this to me and my family?!!”

Some time passed, but then it was like an ever so small voice inside of me began to speak softly in my ear. “How did I do this to you? When exactly did you ever come and talk to me about this plan? When did you ask for my guidance in making decisions and strength to see you through? This is the 1^st time you’ve even talked to me about any of this. I do feel your pain, my son; but who really put you in this position?”

Emotions began to overwhelm me so much I had to pull the car over and let the floodgate of tears pour forth. The truth finally hit full force and I found myself guilty of something I never liked to see in others–blaming God when I never included Him in to begin with. I forged straight ahead alone and then expected Him to clean up the mess, as if He owed that to me. It wasn’t God or others that put me in the position I was in, it was the man in the mirror.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

I have never seen my Lord as the big candy man in the sky waiting to give me all I want, but I have been guilty in the past of not talking to Him when I should have. And if I’ve learned anything it’s bring “everything” to God, because He wants the best for me. Maybe not riches, but the best in His will.

Believe me over the years whenever I bring situations to my Lord seeking His will and guidance, He’s never let me down, nor will He with you. Guaranteed!!

One writer puts it like this, “If you have arrived at your decision with the sincere intention of pleasing the heart of God, incorporating Biblical principles and wise counsel, you can proceed with confidence knowing that God will work out his purposes through your decision.”

James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

The next number of years weren’t easy, but this “Traveler of the Rock Road” found the journey less difficult with help of the Lord and the incredible wife and children He gave me who worked as a team to get us past the hard times, but that’s another incredible story itself.

Got a major decision facing you? Here’s my advice: Plan it out, but mostly PRAY it out! I’m betting you won’t go wrong.

See ya next time