By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

The current drought in the country is regarded as the worst in 150 years. It affects all of us in different ways. However bad the drought may be, it does serve to remind us of our dependency on the One who calls Himself I AM. Here is a testimony of a reader from Klerksdorp:

Karina: "We live in Klerksdorp. Like many towns, the drought caused our town's dam water to wither daily. The farmers around the dam could no longer use the water for irrigation. Our Bible School Leader felt that God had led him to gather ten people together to go and pray and to use communion at the dam. We had to pray for rain, the filling of the dam and also for spiritual rain and revival in our town and community. After the first rain, we were to go back for 10 days, thanking God in advance for what He was doing. We were obedient to this call.

However, the dam was not filled immediately. On the contrary, we drove past the dam on many occasions, seeing the dam levels continuing to fall and wondering when God would answer our prayers. In faith, however, we kept praying and trusting that God was in control.

Last night we were back at the dam. This time to thank God. He performed a miracle and sent the rain we prayed for. The dam is now is 105% full, running over! All honor to Him."

In 2 Chronicles 7:13-15, we read: "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain . . . if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place." In Psalm 68:8-10 we read: "The earth shook; The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God; . . . You, O God, sent a plentiful rain, Whereby You confirmed Your inheritance, When it was weary."

Only God gives rain - also spiritual rain. If you currently experience a season of drought in your own live with unanswered prayer, it could be because He is busy preparing you. At times, the preparation includes us having to remove the "mess" higher up the river for the water to flow freely or us having to repair damaged walls in the dam in order for it to carry large amounts of water on its way. This "mess" can also be unconfessed sin in our lives or maybe a situation in which we need to ask forgiveness.

In drought times, our character is formed as we grow closer to Him. Let us therefore keep our eyes on him amidst the drought - even if everything feels overwhelming. Let us pray with expectant hearts of what He can do, thanking Him in advance - even if we don't see any physical breakthroughs yet. And let us continue to testify of His greatness when those breakthroughs come. I AM always answers - and mostly exceeds our expectations! God bless.

Father God, thank you for hearing and answering my prayers. Please help me to keep my eyes on You during times of drought. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• For a photo of the dam in Klerksdorp before and after the prayers, visit www.benescke.co.za or FBook page, stories of hope.
  

• In the Western Cape, the dam levels continue to drop. This coming Sunday, there is a Day of Prayer for Rain in Cape Town. 14:30 to 15:00 at the His People Centre in Goodwood. No tickets are required. Location for 3000 people.

Assignment for the day: Take 5-10 minutes today and specifically pray for rain as well as "spiritual rain" and revival in South Africa. Let us pray that people who do not have a relationship with I AM yet, will be touched and drawn closer to Him.

Feedback: Give feedback or share any testimony showing God's character (providence, protection, love, etc) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..