Vers-n-dag - DAY 6: I AM ... ALWAYS THERE

By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Have you ever experienced a crisis that made you ask: "Where is God? If He is a God of love, why did He allow it?" Today I am sharing two quotes from two inspiring peoplethat might help us all during those seasons:

During an interview before his death, former Springbok rugby captain, Joost van der Westhuizen, was asked what keeps him positive despite his body's daily deterioration due to his motor neuron disease. He answered:

• "I realized (after I was diagnosed) that I had a choice: I am either going to feel sorry for myself, waiting to die, or I am going to live. I still have my children and parents and so many other things worth living for in my life. I made the decision to inform others about the motor neurone disease and also support other patients and their families suffering due to this illness. In my life, I had the privilege of experiencing great heights, but also terrible lows. It made me who I am today. At the beginning of my illness, my question was, 'Why me?' Then I realized, 'Why not me?' What made me so special not to be sick? Knowing that today I can help others in the same situation as I am, makes me smile." - Joost van der Westhuizen, former Springbok rugby player, February 20, 1971 - February 6, 2017.

Danie Brink, head of Solidarity Helping Hand, and his family was involved in a serious car accident during this past December holidays. Two of their children died. His wife, Lise Brink was seriously injured and lost her leg in the accident. When asked if she is angry with God, she answered:

• "No... I am sad because I terribly miss my children. But they are in heaven. How can I not wish that for them? God knows what He is doing ... and I will not question Him." - Lise Brink, when asked if she is angry with God

Joost realized that he could use the biggest challenge of his life to help others. And Lise's eternal mindset and relationship with God inspires us all to remember that He still remains sovereign.

Do you have questions today about incidents in your life? Remember the words in 1 Corinthians 10:13 where we read: "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." Also inIsaiah 55: 8-9 God says himself: "'My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,' says the Lord.‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.'"

Let us remember that I AM is always with us. Foreach of us. He knows our challenges and questions and He also has all the answers. Let's put our faith and trust in Him - even if our circumstances seemoverwhelming and ask Him to help us to be his instruments. God bless.

Father God, thank you that I can put my hope and trust in You for my future. Help me to stay positive even if nothing in my life makes sense. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• See picture of Joost and Lise at www.benescke.co.za

• Assignment: What in your life does not make sense to you? Did you/ Do you question God or trust Him completely? Speak to Him about your challenge.

• 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..

DAY 6: I AM ... ALWAYS THERE - 8 February 2017