Benescke Janse van Rensburg

A few evenings ago, while a father from Lincolnshire, Britain was sleeping, his 9-year-old daughter took his cellphone and guessed his password. She was correct. Hereafter she started an online shopping spree. Only two days later, the father, a welding inspector by profession, realized that more than £1000 (about R19 000) was paid to PayPal.

The daughter's "purchases" included flights to Paris, hotel accommodation, a ride on the Disneyland Express train as well as going up the Eiffel Tower. After a long debate, PayPal finally agreed to pay back the money. In an interview after the incident, the father and daughter sat on the couch close to each other. The father said he did not think his daughter initially understood the extent of her action. She, on the other hand, admitted that she does not even know where Paris or the Eiffel Tower is!

To fool our earthly dad is sometimes easy. However, we cannot do that to our Heavenly Father. He sees everything and knows our hearts. In Proverbs 5:21 we read: “For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths.”

Yet, even though God sees the good and the bad, He still plans good things in our lives. In Psalm 139 we read that He has so many thoughts about each of us as there is sand in the sea. Also in James 1:17 we read: “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” Because God never changes, we can firmly hold on to His promise in Romans 8: 38: “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.”

But, what if we (like the 9-year-old child) do something against God’s will for our lives? We all have been there. If we do not repent quickly, our sin causes guilt and shame in our hearts. If it continues, we become like Adam and Eve, hiding from God in the Garden of Eden. Guilt and shame causes a wall between us and God and it deprives us from boldly praying or seeking God. This is where the enemy wants to keep us.

The truth however is that God is a gracious Father. He wants us to turn to Him, away from sin, so He can forgive us. He wants to share His good and perfect gifts with us. Let us seize the opportunity, run to Him and experience His grace in our lives. God bless.

Father God, thank you for your mercy and second chance. Please help me not to allow guilt and shame to cause a separation between You and me. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• See a picture of the father and daughter of the abovementioned story at www.benescke.co.za

• Assignment for the day: Is there any concern or feeling of guilt in your heart that keeps you from praying or spending time with God? Break it by discussing this matter with God.