Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Eight years ago, Audrey Strydom found herself on a bed in the Tygerberg Hospital. Her heart was pounding in her chest. Was this the right decision? During her first pregnancy sonar, the doctors picked up several complications with her unborn baby. Apart from having a water head, he had a crooked spine. If he survived the birth, the doctors predicted a short, difficult life. Their recommendation was to terminate the pregnancy. It would be done with three injections.

However, after the first injection that day, Audrey got up from the bed and walked out of the hospital. She had made a decision: She would give birth to her son. Even if he lives only for a few minutes, she would cherish every minute they have together.

A difficult time lay ahead for Audrey. She had to go back to the hospital every month due to her high-risk pregnancy for a scan. Every time the news remained damning. Around 7 months of pregnancy, Audrey was at work, where she served as a waitress. When one client asked her how far pregnant she was, she burst into tears, telling the client her story. The client (Riëtte) and her daughter placed their hands on Audrey's abdomen and started praying for a miracle for this unborn baby. Later that day Riëtte returned to the restaurant with a Bible and a baby bag. She said Audrey must cling to God's promises by reading the Bible and she must, in faith, fill the baby bag with baby clothes. Until that moment, Audrey did not buy any baby clothes out of fear of what might happen. She decided to take a step of faith and filled the bag.

During the weeks leading up to the birth of Audrey's son, she and Riëtte repeatedly prayed together over the phone, trusting God for a miracle. With the last sonar before the birth, the professors took a long time to examine the sonar. Suddenly they stood back and started clapping hands. They could not explain it. Everything was normal. There was not a drop of moisture on the boy's brain and his spine was straight. This was a miracle!

Today Ayden is 9 years old. He is perfectly normal. Audrey calls her son their 'ray of sunlight'. She says: "Ayden will not let us leave the home in the morning without us praying together. And at night, he insists that we pray together before going to bed. He is my miracle and I praise God for him!"

In 1 John 5:14 we read: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." In Mark 11:24 we read: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." And in Psalm 4:3, the Psalmist writes: "The LORD will answer when I call to him."

I AM hears our prayers. At times, He positions us to be where He needs us to be - like Riëtte in the restaurant praying with Audrey. Are you obedient when He needs you? And if you need a miracle today, let's look away from damning reports and focus on the One who never changes. He is the Almighty God. He still does miracles. Let us praise His Name! Amen.

Father God, thank You that You know the end from the beginning. Thank You also for hearing my prayers. Help me to stand in faith as Audrey did, knowing that You still do wonders today. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• See photos of Audrey and her son, Ayden at www.benescke.co.za and listen to Audrey's testimony by clicking on this link: http://benescke.co.za/podcast/getuienis-van-audrey-strydom/

• ASSIGNMENT: Choose to deliberately look away from damning circumstances or reports and trust the One who holds the universe in His hands.

• FEEDBACK: Please send your feedback, testimonies of God's goodness or questions on the topic to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Benescke