Interesting Development

Debate and disagreement about Shemitah was really intimidating to me for a time.  I have prayed earnestly in regard to this topic for many months, seeking Abba's will in the matter.  I finally heard that it was time to stop asking and step out.  So, I stepped out cautiously, which has also resulted in some strained relationships . . . but I stepped out.  I've not been stiff necked about it, but I've also pointed out that most folks with an opinion, or even a book aren't living off the land anyway . . .

As more individuals are seeking Torah for answers, I've seen a great many posts and comments about debt being resolved in 7 years.  My comment on that is simple.  If  you feel your debt should be resolved in 7 years, don't sign a contract that goes beyond 7 years, but that's not the point anyway in Shemitah.  Jubilee is the year of debt resolution and Jubilee comes every 50 years.  Back to Shemitah, and it gets interesting.

When I sold the beginning homestead, I owner financed.  It wasn't until this last year that it dawned on me, that while they were very conscientious in their payments, I still held the deed to the land.  As long as they were paying, the land was theirs to use as they desired; of course, but I did question my possession of the deed through shemitah . . .  I didn't know how to handle that.  They do not believe what I believe.  I've shared my beliefs, given them a copy of "Simply Abundant" and although we have discussed some mutual disdain, such as Monsanto and Agenda 21, their choice of direction at this time is not that of being a "set apart" people.  So, what to do about the "owner finance" contract?

As I looked over the paperwork, I knew the contract would be paid in full just following the planting season next year, which some claim to be shemitah.  I really had no problem just calling it a "done deal" a couple of months early, releasing the deed and moving on in life, if that were the year of shemitah or the jubilee year, but . . . I believe this year is the shemitah and I didn't want any land in "my possession" to be worked this year.

It was one of those childlike moments for me.  Abba had told me to stop asking, but this is a new question, so . . . early one morning in prayer toward the end of January, I simply asked if I should resolve and release the contract before planting season this year.  Planting season officially begins mid February.  I heard an amazing response.  "Stand still and watch."  So, that was my answer and nothing more was said on the matter.  An unexpected town day brought an interesting development.  The message light on the phone was blinking when I walked in the door, indicating a voice message.  An amazing offer was contained in that voice message.  The young couple who I'd financed wanted to make arrangements for an early payoff.  I'd remembered the day of the closing, the young woman had asked if there would be a penalty for an early payoff.  I assured them there would not!

I returned the call, and said I'd make inquiry at the Title Company and relay the information and time to take care of the matter.  I was surprised at their request, as this late in the contract, the early payoff would save very little money in interest, so the principle and payoff were nearly the same; but that wasn't my call or my business.  As of, February 11, 2015, just three days before the planting season officially began, the deed to that land is no longer in my name!  I stood, I was "still," and I saw!