I finally moved into my dream apartment. It’s also been four months since I last shared on my blog, but it’s been a lot going on behind the scenes. This is very surreal as I type this because I have been living under my parents roof for the past 27 years. The faithfulness of God is unmatched.
There were a myriad of factors that kept me from moving out, which included lack of financial stability, waiting on God’s timing, and overcoming the fear of living on my own. But let’s not forget that delay does not mean denial.
Although it is nice living under someone’s roof rent-free, peace is much more valuable for me. 10 months later, I worked towards the goal of comfortably moving out. And God showed out. I landed my dream apartment! Here are three things that prepared me for my move:
I created a budget for my dream apartment and stuck to it
A year ago in March 2020, I started exploring the idea of getting an apartment. As much as I love my parents, the extended time with them during the season of quarantine last year showed me that it was time for me to leave. I took a break from aggressively paying down my student loan debt to put more money aside into saving instead. At the same time, I was researching various areas and touring different communities. I made it my goal to comfortably save so that I could budget for moving fees and furnishing my apartment. By God’s grace, I have been able to do both.
I did not settle for just anything
I wholeheartedly believe that I am worthy of God’s best. There were situations I encountered before my dream apartment where I found a few other places I really liked. However, red flags were evident. Even though the last two place were promising on the surface, I sought discernment and didn’t move forward. Although a bit frustrating, I was reminded of this verse: “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”- Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV). So, I waited for God’s best for me. I am so glad I did, because I avoided potential headaches down the road. My current place is in a quiet location, has the amenities I need, and is extremely accessible.
When God calls you to move, you move
Often times, waiting on and embracing God’s best requires obedience. What are you doing in the waiting? Earlier in the year, I stumbled upon “This Is A Move” by Tasha Cobb and it resonated with me deeply. I knew that for some time now, God was calling me to make a “move”–to step out of my comfort zone and into a new season where I could be challenged and experience growth. I felt so unsettled. Honestly, I was fearful of moving out because of all the responsibility that came with it. I was playing the “what if” game, going through the many scenarios in my head, and debating the “best” time to leave. As my therapist noted, I was operating from a scarcity mindset.
However, I was learning that even though we have timelines and deadlines, God still has the ultimate say. He had prepared me for this moment. The move He needed me to take was to jumpstart my apartment hunt and take the transition more seriously. I realized that when He is telling me to make a move – to take a bold step of faith despite my fears or worries – then I will obey Him knowing He has me covered.
I just want to end this post by saying that God is good and He is absolutely faithful. That’s it. That’s the message!