Benescke Janse van Rensburg

About two weeks ago, the news papers of Thailand reported on a miracle. When a group of residents of a block of flats heard a baby cryinguncontrollably, they went to investigate. In the banana plantation, next to the flats, behind a 2 meter high fence they climbed over, theydiscovered a newborn baby boy, still with the placenta and umbilical cord. He had been abandoned. 

With further investigation, they discovered that his teenage mother threw him from the fifth floor of the block of flats after birth. The thick, banana tree’s leaves broke his fall. It was a miracle that he survived with only a few scratches.

Can you imagine what this boy must feel like when he is old enough to understand this story? Totally rejected by the one person that is supposed to love him the most... We also experience rejection at times from people the closest to us – a spouse having an affair with your best friend, a business partner cheating you out of all your money, your children turning their backs on you, your parents not wanting anything to do with you. It hurts and makes us doubt in our self worth. 

In Psalm 127: 10, however, we read these encouraging words: “Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.” In Isaiah 49: 15-16, God Himself says, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Also in Psalm 34:18 we read:“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

May this boy in Thailand grow up to find his identity in God. May he realize that God loves him unconditionally. My hope is the same for each of us who might have experienced rejection. God loves us and accepts us as we are. We belong to Him. In His eyes we are perfect. Let’s trust Him to comfort us in moments of rejection. He truly is able to heal our deepest hurt. God bless.

Father God, thank you for accepting me as I am and never forgetting me. Please help me find my identity again in you. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• See photos of the baby saved at www.benescke.co.za or on the Stories van Hoop Facebook page.

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