Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Sick elderly and disabled people being saved from their flooded homes; a mother who lost her life in saving the life of her 3-year-old and total strangers risking their lives to save others in need. These were only some stories that touched me as I followed news reports of Hurricane Harvey and now Irma in America.

Some roofs of homes were blown off by the 200km/h winds and streets turned into rivers during the storm, while many families lost all their possessions because of water running through their homes. Many times I stood shocked at the power of nature.

In our own lives, we also at times feel completely powerless during difficult situations. For instance, we pray for rain, but it stays away. We pray for our marriages to recover or a loved one to break from an addiction, but it feels as if things are getting worse. During these situations, we need to remind ourselves that God still holds the universe in His hands.                                                                                                

In Psalm 89: 8-9 we read: “Lord God All-Powerful, there is no one like you. You are strong, Lord, and always faithful. You rule the stormy sea. You can calm its angry waves.” In Psalm 107: 28-29, it is written: “Yet when they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, the Lord brought them out of their distress. He calmed the storm and its waves quieted down. . . Let them give thanks to the Lord for his gracious love and for his awesome deeds on behalf of mankind.And in Nahum 1:7 we read: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”

As the storm raged on the Sea of ​​Galilee, Jesus' disciples became fearful. Jesus however, got up and commanded the storm to stop. It immediately obeyed. God can do the same in our lives today. Although He is the Creator of the universe with infinite power, He knows each of us by name because each of us are important to Him. Let's choose to keep our eyes on Him and make Him our Shelter in the midst of every storm. He truly knows those who take refuge in Him. God bless.

Father God, thank you for being almighty and holding my life in your hands. Please help me not to keep my eyes off You if the things around me threaten to overwhelm me. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

  • Assignment for the day: Is there a storm raging in your life today? Read the scriptures above again while reminding yourself that He truly is in charge of your life – and He can calm it with only one word.
  • See photos of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma at www.benescke.co.za
  • Feedback: Share your testimony of God's breakthroughs in your life or give feedback at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I would like to hear from you. Benescke