Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Background: Have you ever been afraid of a big loss like Job experienced? Will you still praise God in the midst of it even if it does not make sense? One of the readers, Annelene Van Wyk of Zastron in the Free State, sent this testimony earlier this week:

Annelene: "Where we live in the southern Free State, the last part of the year is usually known for dangers of veld fires. In September this year experienced one.

The day the fire broke out, my husband was trapped in the fire. He could not see what the extent of the fire was, so I had to be his “eyes”. He was terribly concerned about the cattle on our farm. Would they survive the fire? Where I was driving up and down on the farm, I kept praying for my husband as well as the cattle’s safety on the farm. It was all I could do.

The words in Habakkuk 3 came to mind. During a very difficult time in Habakkuk’s life, he chose to worship God, because he knew who God was. The question in my mind was whether we would continue to worship and serve God if we lose everything. It was a sure reality. It's easy to proclaim that we would serve God no matter what happens. If the reality sets in, it is sometimes more difficult to answer this question. With tears flowing down my cheeks, I said to God that we would continue to worship Him – even if we lose everything.

That night, when the flames died down, my husband went to look for the cattle. The farm was pitch black. About 80% of the farm's grass burnt down, causing major damage. To our surprise, he found the cattle, huddling together, completely unharmed. Where they stood, the fire stopped in a circle around them. This was truly a miracle. The other piece of land that was spared, is where we set up a cross a year ago. God was there on the farm, protecting us in the fire.

My heart is filled with gratitude for the protection and provision we experience on our farm. Despite the loss, my husband is still very positive, putting his faith and trust in God. Some of the other farmers in the area also offered to send us some feed for our animals. All honour goes to God."

Both Job and Habakkuk experienced great losses in their lives. Still, listen to Job’s reaction where he sat on the ashes in Job 1:21: “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” He never blamed God for anything that happened to him. Habakkuk also had a reason to complain, going through a very difficult season in his life. Yet, in Habakkuk 3: 17-18, he says, “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty,  yet I will rejoice in the Lord!”

Although we do not always understand why certain bad things cross our paths, we can walk fearlessly forward, with the knowledge that God is there. His wisdom, protection and provision is much more noticeable once we open our eyes to look for it. God bless.

Father God, thank you that I can put my life in your hands. Strengthen me so that I can continue to praise you in the midst of my pain and loss. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• See a photo of Annelene and her husband, at www.benescke.co.za
  

• Feedback: What are you afraid of? And what subject would you like me to cover this month? Let me know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I would like to hear from you. Benescke