Day 22: Fearless knowing that He can surprise us - 30 November 2017
Benescke Janse van Rensburg
Today, I conclude the Fearless series with a story that demonstrates something of God's heart, love and His ability to surprise us:
Five years ago, a Free State farmer from Hoopstad, Kobie Barnard’s yellow Land Cruiser bakkie was stolen. It was a big shock and loss as this bakkie was his “favorite vehicle” and only had 63,000km on the clock. After a lot of prayers to recover the vehicle, he accepted his loss and the insurance paid out. In the back of his mind, Kobie continue to wonder where his bakkie was.
In July this year, the Pretoria police called Kobie. They had found his yellow bakkie in Rwanda! Accompanied by a member of the police and insurance, Kobie flew to Rwanda to identify the bakkie. On a picture (see below) Kobie stood with a smile next to his yellow bakkie.
At times, we also pray fervently about situations in our lives. We pour our hearts out before God and lay our worries and fears down at his feet. Sometimes we immediately receive an answer. Other times it may feel as if God does not hear our prayers as we do not immediately receive an answer or perhaps receive a “no”. One thing remains: God’s ways and timing are always perfect. And we can even receive an answer when we have started to forget about our prayers. God never forgets. This is what Kobie experienced.
In Luke 18:27, Jesus reminds us, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.” Job also understood it. After receiving double of what he had lost, Job said in Job 42:2: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.” Also in Ephesians 3: 20-21, we read: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory . . .”
What is that thing you've been praying about for a long time? Let’s trust God because He knows the future. Let’s thank Him in advance, knowing that He wants to prosper us. And let us remind ourselves that His timing is perfect. He can indeed surprise us with an answer that is exceedingly, abundantly, above what we ask or think because He is God. God bless.
Father God, thank you for allowing me to leave my life in your hands and to live truly fearlessly. Strengthen me in times of doubt to remind myself that you truly have the last word. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
• See photo of Kobie Barnard at www.benescke.co.za
Letter from the author: Thank you very much for every email I received from readers this month. I appreciate it very much (although it is impossible to respond to everyone). May you have a wonderful Christmas time and my wish is that we will all enter 2018 fearlessly! Regards, Benescke
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