Verse-a-day 1 February 2013
CURRENT THEME: New hope for 2013 (Share your feedback with us at
DAY 15: NEW HOPE ... WHEN PRAYING FOR THE SALVATION OF OUR LOVED ONES
By Benescke Janse van Rensburg
Are you praying for the salvation of a loved one? Do not give up hope for a breakthrough. God hears your prayers. This is what Mariette Loubser and her family experienced:
Mariëtte: “Until my 98-year-old granddad fell ill last year, he lived an active life. He still drove around by himself and had a girlfriend whom he regularly took to the theatre or restaurants. However, as a family, we knew that my granddad did not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. From a young age my mother told me to pray for his salvation. Every time someone dared to speak to him about the subject he rebelled and highlighted all the mistakes the church made in the past. His heart was hardened and only God could change it.
“When my relationship with Jesus Christ deepened, I realized the reality of heaven and hell. How would I ever live with my conscience, knowing that my granddad died without Jesus? I started praying with greater intensity for his salvation.
“In the middle of last year, my grandfather fell ill. We did not realize the severity of it as he lived a healthy life and at age 80, still managed to walk faster than my mother if they went for a walk. This time my grandfather’s health deteriorated rapidly. We got together as a family and began fasting and praying for his salvation.
“During my first visit to the hospital after our fast, I was slightly nervous. I gathered all my courage and asked the question: ‘Grandpa, would you like to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour?’ I expected him to rebel, but he calmly looked at me and said ‘yes’. I was overwhelmed with shock and prayed with him.
“A few days later I went back to the hospital. My grandfather was weaker than before. During our conversation I dared to ask him: ‘Grandpa, do you remember that I prayed with you last week and that you accepted Jesus as your Saviour?’ This time he could not remember it. My heart sank while I had to fight the thoughts that he was too tired and that he had said ‘yes’ the previous time just to get me off his back. I cast away the doubting thoughts and continued with a smile. ‘Never mind, Grandpa, but would you like to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour?’ Again, he answered ‘yes’ and I prayed with him for a second time.
“During my third visit, my grandfather was very weak and he barely spoke. I wanted to make sure that he would not miss out on eternity with Jesus, so I asked him again: ‘Grandpa, would you like to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour?’ Where he lay in his bed, I could see that he gathered all his courage and strength to speak and with a loud voice when he replied: ‘Yes!’ With tears streaming down my cheeks, I prayed with him. In my heart I knew this time he was serious about his decision.
“A few days later I was with my parents at home when my aunt phoned from the hospital. My grandfather was dying. My mother and I immediately joined hands and prayed for God’s protection and peace over him. In my mind I saw a picture of black figures, who tried to steal my grandfather's soul. When they got close to him, they suddenly stood back with expressions of shock and disappointment on their faces. I did not understand their reaction. While still praying I declared that my grandfather accepted Jesus Christ as his Saviour and that he belonged to the kingdom of light. He died shortly afterwards.
“That night during my quiet time, I asked God what the picture meant. In my heart I experienced that He wanted to give me peace of mind about my grandfather’s eternal destiny. Until the end of his life, there was a constant battle between light and dark for his soul. The demons came to fetch his soul, but with shock had to realize that their strategies that worked for 98 years failed in the end. My grandfather was saved! At age 64 my mother experienced the answer to prayers she started praying when she was only 16 years old! God is wonderful and all glory goes to Him!”
Mariette is right. Satan and his demons constantly try to blind the minds of unbelievers. In 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 we read: “The god of this age (Satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” Yet, there are second chances when we repent of our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour. In Luke 23:43 Jesus spoke to the sinner next to him on the cross saying: “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Let’s continue to pray for our friends and family who do not yet know Christ. In this way, we can ensure that we will spend eternity together in heaven! God bless.
Father God, thank you for working in the hearts of my unbelieving friends and family members when I pray. Lead me with wisdom to know what to pray for and help me to never lose hope for a breakthrough. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
• See photo of Mariëtte and her 98-year-old grandfather on my Liglag blog on my website, www.benescke.co.za or on the social network, Fbook’s STORIES VAN HOOP page.
** Benescke Janse van Rensburg is a radio DJ, freelance journalist and author of the books, Ontdek God in die stories van mense, Wysheid-oordenkings uit Spreuke and Hoop in tye van nood-oordenkings uit Psalms.