Many people never think they will end up in a homeless shelter. Edmond was one such person. After the construction company where he had worked folded, Edmond worked part-time at a grocery store while his wife, Shirley, cleaned houses. Even so, they soon started falling behind on house payments.
Then one night, faulty wiring started a fire in their house. Two days later, their furniture was stolen.
In the months that followed, Shirley and their six daughters stayed with relatives while Edmond tried to fix the house. The damage was beyond repair, and the six children were too much for Shirley’s mother. Swallowing his pride, Edmond agreed to try the shelter, but only for a few weeks.
Feeling ashamed, Edmond withdrew. The only prayer he could mutter was, “Lord, get me out of here.” Edmond felt that all eyes were on him wherever he went, as if he had a scarlet “H” for “Homeless.”
Eventually, Edmond found a job with a landscaping company, but it was a long time before they were freed from their financial woes and could leave the shelter.
One night, Edmond opened his Bible and realized he hadn’t been praying for help—only for escape. Clutching his Bible, he prayed, “I am here God. And so are You. Please help me.”
Edmond’s shame began to dissolve. God’s presence made the shelter a home. He needed to make himself available to God no matter where he and his family lived.
Though they now have a home of their own, they learned some invaluable lessons. Above all, they realized that the eternal is far more significant and secure than the temporal.
My friend, the temporal things of this world will all pass away. Place your faith in the infinite security of eternal things—God’s things. He will never let you down.
Now we know that if this earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” 2 Corinthians 5:1
Are you feeling hopeless today? Maybe your soul is restless, or circumstances have left you questioning if God is really there. Friend, wherever you might be today, He is our shelter, our refuge. Rest in the promise of God’s presence, knowing your heart is in His hands.
From My Heart in His Hands Devotional: Summer by Vonette Bright
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