Happy Homeless

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

In 1992, when my three small children and I returned from the Church Festival in Paignton, we were devastated to find that a person, or persons, had burned down our house.  According to the fire authorities it was an arson attack.  This seemed the end of the world with all now laid in ashes.

Gradually, I came to accept that all was not lost, as God had preserved our lives by our being away from the premises at the time.

There were many trials during this period, but God gave me the strength to get through each day and so many blessings all around.  As time went by, one of our church members started to call me the ‘happy homeless,’ because she could see how I was so happy during my many trials.  Everywhere I went I felt as though someone was with me—the feeling of presence was so strong, as though I was being followed at times.  I would look round to see if someone was behind me, but I knew this was the presence of God, therefore I was happy with a kind of joy that one cannot explain.

We know from the scriptures that Christ experienced temporary homelessness, born in a manger and then having to flee from Herod’s pursuit—as the scripture above says, our trials are common to mankind, and God will be with us and provide for our needs.

Prayer
Thank you, Father, that you are with us whatever trials or difficulties life throws at us.  We can be at home with you through Jesus who made this possible.
Amen 

Study by Carol Armstrong

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About the Author:
Carol Armstrong is on the Pastoral Council in the North London congregation of the Worldwide Church of God UK.

Local Congregation:
Worldwide Church of God London
Indian YMCA
Mahatma Gandhi Hall
41 Fitzroy Square
LONDON
W1T 6AQ
Meeting Time:
Saturday 2:30pm

Local Congregational Contact:
Martin Ryan
Phone:  020 8202 3998
Email:   martin_ryan@wcg.org.uk