Build My house

June 27, 2007

By Candee Fick

Money is such a touchy topic. It can be difficult to put faith into practice in the areas of tithing and giving when other financial needs loom. While I have heard others say, “You can’t out-give God,” I sometimes hesitate to follow God’s direction in Malachi 3:10 to put Him to the test in this area.

But my husband, Clint, and I followed God’s invitation several years ago. Our older home featured a dozen drafty windows that drove up our heating bills in the winter. The seals had broken on several, and the collected condensation between the panes obscured the view. It was time for a much-needed upgrade.

We learned about a buy-three-get-one-free offer and signed a contract. The salesman explained we had 24 hours to change our minds without any penalty. While I was filing the contract, a piece of paper fell to the floor. I discovered it was the pledge form for our church’s new building campaign. Bursting at the seams, our church was adding a large wing to house a new sanctuary and children’s classrooms.

We should really give something to the church, I thought. I need to talk this over with Clint.

When we talked about a possible pledge, we realized the new windows would tie up our extra finances and we could only give a small amount to the church. We needed the windows, but we decided to pray about it.

That night, I couldn’t fall asleep. It felt like we were putting our house before God’s house. Build My house and I will take care of yours, I seemed to hear God say.

In the morning, Clint brought up the subject. “I couldn’t sleep last night,” he said. “I think we need to cancel the windows and put that money toward the building project.”

“That’s what I think,” I said.

An hour later we were officially out of the contract for new windows and trusting God to take care of our needs.

One year later, I was singing in the choir at the dedication of our new sanctuary. A year after that, Clint got a new job and we moved to a different town. We were able to afford a new home.

God gave us new windows, and an entire house to wrap around them.

Candee Fick lives in Loveland, Colo., and now attends Timberline Church (AG) in Fort Collins (Dary Northrop, senior pastor). She and Clint are supporting that church’s growth.