By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Coming up to Easter, we wanted to demonstrate Jesus’s love in a practical way to families in the Cape Peninsula. With our Project Oasis at Radio Tygerberg, listeners could nominate families in need via our SMS line in studio. We then selected five families, and during the morning show, surprised them at their homes with vouchers for food and clothes.

One of the families was nominated by Simone Solomons from Blue Downs. Here is an excerpt from her SMS: "I am a matric learner and would like to nominate our family. We are going through a difficult time. Sometimes there is nothing to eat. Yet my mother, Dianne, stays extremely positive. She is also a volunteer at a school in our neighbourhood where she helps prepare food for the needy children. It makes me sad to see my mother’s wet eyes when she stands up from the ground after prayer. My younger brother often asks when the Lord will give us a breakthrough. My mother always answers: "God’s time is the right time. I believe the breakthrough will be soon ..."

When we arrived at the Solomons' house in Blue Downs, Dianne, Simone’s mother, was clearly surprised. Before we even announced why we were there, I could already sense her faith and gratitude. This woman was grateful for all she had – even though it was little.

With the news of them receiving a voucher for food and clothing, they were all in tears. It was clear that it would bring great relief. Through her tears Dianne thanked us, but at the same time encouraged other people going through tough times to trust God. Then came the second surprise: We named Simone a winner for our annual Matric Dance Project. It is a project with which we team up with some sponsors in order to provide all that is needed for a dream matric farewell for three matrics in the Peninsula. Again there were tears.

What we did not know was that Dianne, the weekend before our visit, went to various places to apply for a loan. She wanted to use the money to make Simone a dress for her matric farewell. Each application however was rejected. Back at their home, she went into the bathroom and behind closed doors wept before God. She did not have a Plan B. When she eventually left the bathroom, Simone came to her with the words: "You know, Mom, maybe God does not want us to apply for a loan. Maybe He will suddenly provide for us." We did not know it, but God saw her faith and He honoured it.

In Colossians 4:2 we read: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” And in Psalm 50:14: “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving . . .”

When do we give an offering? When it hurts. How do we “offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving”? We thank God when we least feel like doing it with the knowledge that He still can turn our situation around. The Solomons did it. They passed the test and God honoured their faith. What breakthrough are you waiting for? Let us continue steadfastly in prayer while staying thankful and bringing sacrifices of thanksgiving. God might just, as He did for the Solomons, suddenly cause your breakthrough to happen. God bless.

Father God, thank you for Your promise to never leave me, nor forsake me. Help me to stay able to thank you amidst any desert season in my life. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• See photos of the Solomons family: http://benescke.co.za/blog/2014/05/08/dag-5-n-offer-van-dankbaarheid/

• Listen to the audio of the announcement: http://benescke.co.za/potgooie/#page=&order=