Paid in Full
O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You - Psalm 89:8. For the past ten years, I've wondered how I would ever retire. My worst imagination was working until I was so old that I would be asked to leave. I hoped that wouldn't be the case, and I looked to God for help. I leaned on His word for support, and I faithfully tithed. Then the day came when God directed me to retire. I was afraid to do it because of financial concerns, so I asked Him to give me courage. About a week later, my courage had grown tremendously, so I gave my notice. And ever since I bought my house in 2001, I've expected to make payments until I sold it or died, whichever came first. But two weeks ago, God gave me a revelation: I could use my two modest retirement accounts to completely pay off my mortgage. Then my Social Security check would be adequate to pay my monthly bills. This morning, I checked my online mortgage account to see if the wire-transfer payment had been credited. I was thrilled to see the beautiful words, "PAID IN FULL!" Now I have to say it . . . God is GOOD! He is very very good, and He is FAITHFUL! Being free from financial debt is awesome, but having the debt for my sin paid in full by Jesus' precious blood is even better. People are sometimes unforgiving, but it's God's opinion of me that matters most. It's His presence that gives me peace and His love that makes me whole. It is God's sweet words that warm my heart each day. So far, this Year of Jubilee that began in the fall of 2015 is proving to be just as God has promised (see Leviticus 25:10). I have retired from a job that tested me in a number of ways for sixteen long years. I am blessed to be completely debt free, with a house that belongs to me instead of the bank. Dear Lord, please keep it coming. Let it be done to all of us according to Your word. Please continue to bless us so we can bless others.