Benescke Janse van Rensburg

A couple of years ago, a soldier in Lebanon stopped at a poor begging woman on the street and gave her water. The woman, Fatima Othman, lost the use of her legs and hands after being injured during the Lebanese Civil War. She now lived as a beggar on the street. A bystander took a picture of the soldier's mercy towards the woman and the photo spread like a wildfire on social media.

Fatima recently died at the age of 52. The police found her body on the street where she slept in an abandoned car. Beside her, they found two plastic bags filled with money she collected - about R415,000. In one of the bags, they discovered a booklet detailing deposits made by Fatima over a period of time. Although she had R14 million in the bank, she died a beggar in a deserted car.

This story touched my heart. Fatima had access to enough money to ensure a comfortable life – even to get a full-time carer to look after her. Why did she choose this beggar's existence?

At times, we are just like Fatima in our walk with God. We have access to the Creator of the Universe who wants to demonstrate His love towards us in providing for us. Yet, out of fear that we might not receive what we trust Him for, we settle for the crumbs on the floor next to the table.

Listen again to the Psalmist words in Psalm 23: 6, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, “For I know the plans I have for you . . . plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." And in 2 Corinthians 9: 8 we read: "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

Are you experiencing life in abundance or have you started to settle for the crumbs? What is that thing you are trusting God for? Remember, He is able to give us far more than we ask for if we continue to trust Him. He prepares a feast and wants us to be a guest of honor. Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Let's demonstrate our faith in Him, by stepping out of our "poverty mentality" and putting our trust in Him for His best. God bless.

Father God, thank you for being in control of my life. Help me to leave my fear behind as I trust You for Your best for me. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• See photo of Fatima and the soldier at www.benescke.co.za

Assignment: Be honest with yourself: Are you trusting God for His best or have you settled for the crumbs on the floor out of fear to be disappointed?

Feedback: Please give feedback or share your testimony of God's breakthroughs in your lie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I look forward to hearing from you. Benescke