Benescke Janse van Rensburg

With the school's in-house athletics last Friday at Kathu in the Northern Cape, the youngest athletes gathered at the starting line. The excitement was tangible. For a lot of parents, it was their children's first time to participate.

Before the starter fired his pistol, he called Riaan van Straten, head of sport at the school who is also a former Griqua, Arende- and Puma rugby player. As Riaan approached him, he informed him of "a little problem". In her wheelchair, the 5-year-old Angie Motswamere, also was ready to participate in the race. She needed assistance. When Angie got up, Riaan realized that she was not paralyzed, but born without the bottom half of her legs.

Without thinking twice, Riaan pulled her onto his back and when the pistol fired, he ran with the giggling Angie along with the other girls to the finish line. The crowd was on their feet and in tears. After the race Riaan said he initially thought he would run slowly to not beat the other girls, but they were so fast, he had to run hard to not end up last. When Riaan put little Angie down at the finish line, she smiled from ear to ear. This was a dream come true for her. A miracle.

In Psalm 54: 4 we read: "Surely God is my help;the Lord is the one who sustains me." In Psalm 121: 1-2 it’s written: "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." And in Hebrews 13: 6 we read: "So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Challenges in our workplace, finances, relationships or health, easily rob us of our joy andfill us with fear. It makes us feel like Angie at the start of the race. She wanted to run, but did not know how she would ever reach the finish line. However, when we put our faith and trust in I AM, our Helper, trusting Him with our future, we experience how He too pick us up, put us on his back while showing us what He can help us accomplish. With him there is no restrictions. Let's give him a chance! God bless.

Father God, thank you for being my Helper. I bring (name your situation or challenge) to You. Please help me to surrender everything in faith, trusting You. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• Click here for a photo of Riaan with Angie during the race: www.benescke.co.za

Assignment for the day: Have you experienced I AM to be a Helper in a situation in your past? Write it down. If you feel comfortable, share your testimony with us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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