By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Last year, Stan Jerling, a 74-year-old retired farmer from Hennenman, who lately fixes windmills and cleans boreholes, was asked to demolish and repair a windmill at Vanderbijlpark. This was a big project that required heavy machinery. Because he also required a trailer to transport his own heavy equipment, it meant that Stan would have to drive the distance twice.

In the run-up to the project, Stan's wife, Dirkie (also 74 years old), was concerned about her husband. She laid awake and prayed about this, knowing that there had to be a way to simplify this project. Then she got a plan. The next morning Dirkie showed a drawing of her patent to her husband. He immediately knew that it could work and decided to try out Dirkie’s patent. It worked so well that Dirkie, an elderly grandmother, walked away with first prize in her category for her patent at this year’s Nampo Harvest Festival.

Sometimes we also find ourselves, like the Jerlings, in uncomfortable situations. It may be in the workplace, perhaps it’s a challenge to connect with your rebellious teenager or resolve conflict with your spouse. Perhaps it’s a health issue or even a challenge surrounding your finances. In our hearts we know there must be an "easier way" to deal with these challenges, but we have no idea what it is.

During these moments, we have to remind ourselves that God remains our source of wisdom and creativity and that we can consult with Him at any time. In Jeremiah 43:19 He says: “Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Also in Matthew 7: 7-8, Jesus reminds us that we must ask: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." And then in James 1: 5 we read: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

What is the challenge you are facing today? Let's remind ourselves that God, the Source of Wisdom and Knowledge already knows the way to simplify our situations. He led a 74-year-old elderly woman from Hennenman to come up with a new patent in agriculture (which made her a prize winner). He can do the same for us if we continue to trust Him. God bless.

Father God, You are the Source of knowledge, creativity and wisdom. Please help me today (name the area where you need wisdom). Please strengthen me to follow Your instruction even if it does not initially makes sense.  I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• See a photo of Stan and Dirkie Jerling at their scale model of a windmill deceleration tool with which she won a patent at www.benescke.co.za