My house: a gift from God

Hebrews 11:1, “1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

The flat that we are staying in now is a gift from God. When I planned to get married, we wanted to look for a place to stay. Redhill was one of our choices. It is still one of the most highly sought after location to reside in Singapore due to its close proximity to town and other various facilities. There was this particular evening when my wife suggested we dropped by the estate to check out the flats. During that time, except for a few blocks were occupied, the majority of them was empty. I was standing in the park among the cluster of flats and I felt really good about the place. I told God that I desire to live here and that I would let Him use my house to His glory when the opportunity arises if I really get it.

Subsequently we decided to apply for a flat in Redhill. The first time was a blotched attempt. We did not check properly and applied for flats which were allocated to residents who were en bloc. We were disappointed. However little did we know that the ones that we saw that night were still yet to be released by the government. Nevertheless, we let the matter rest and decided to wait and see. Thoughts of searching for resale flats did cross our minds but there seemed to be no peace to go about spending time on it. Don’t feel good inside.

It was when I was in the middle of my work a few weeks later that I received an e mail alert from HDB. The e mail informed me that Redhill residence was opened once again for new applicants. At that very instance I could felt as if I got my flat right there. Subsequently we managed to get a ballot queue number at 91 and eventually secured the flat that we wanted at the preferred floor and direction.

Throughout these times, there were no doubt moments of anxiety and worry of not getting the flat in time, getting it renovating and synchronizing our marriage preparations etc. However there was also a parallel sense of steadiness in my heart that everything will be ok. This sense of steadiness did not arise from positive thinking but arises from within my spirit. While some people might deem it as lucky, I attribute it to God’s blessing. The timing was perfect when we put my wedding date, the amount of renovation time and other major activities together. With the various emotions we went through plus the subtle leading and the substance of faith in my heart made it clear that God has His hand in it. I also believed that my financial contribution to God’s kingdom played a part in it too.

God cement my conviction of His blessing when I started to hear stories of friends who tried to apply for the flat in the same area but were rejected and friends who have been looking to find a good place to stay for quite some time and eventually decided to settle for areas far from town. They have the money, but the places that they wanted are not available.

A year later, a 24 hour food court was set up right below our flat. My wife and I were thrilled. Food gets to be served almost right at our door steps. But I soon heard from some of our neighbors complaining about the stale smell of food and cooking oil contaminating their clothes and bed sheets when they need to hang their clothes out to dry. I believe God knew the end from the beginning and hence He has arranged us to stay in a direction away from such a situation while enjoying the convenience.

God is good! Today I also have the opportunity to host some of our church gatherings for my friends as well; just like what I promised Him.

Steve