By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Last year, I wrote a story about Lee-Ann Abrahams, a petrol attendant from Bellville. Even though she had just returned from maternity leave, she at times did shifts of about 16 hours to get money to look after her family. Her cheerful personality inspired everyone around her. Thanks to Spar Western Cape and also the Dis-chem Foundation, we were able to surprise her with groceries and baby products that definitely helped a lot (read the full story at the bottom link).

Some time after the hand over, Lee-Ann experienced tremendous opposition from some colleagues. “Even though it was very difficult for me at times,” Lee-Ann tells, “I chose to stay good to them. I kept believing and trusting and declaring that God is going before me and that He will protect me.”

On a day Lee-Ann least expected it, a car stopped at the petrol station. The man and woman in the car own a large cleaning business in Cape Town. They needed a manager for some sites in the city center. Because they liked Lee-Ann so much, they made her an offer then and there. Within a day, Lee-Ann was promoted from petrol attendant to manager of 17 sites with teams working under her. All Lee-Ann can say is, "This is what our God can do!"

What is your reaction amidst opposition - from a colleague, a spouse, a girlfriend, a mother-in-law or even your teenage child? Do you repay evil with evil or do you choose to stay good and show love? In Romans 12:20-21 we read: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” And in Psalm 105:19 we read: “Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph's character.”

Was it God who sent the people to that gas station to buy petrol  where Lee-Ann was working? I'm convinced of it. She was tested and found faithful and God honored her. May we learn from her story and continually choose to surrender our enemies to God while we remain good to them (even if it is difficult). God is ahead of us and He protects us. God bless.

Father God, thank you for going out before me and protecting me. Please guide me through your Holy Spirit to stay good to people who are making life difficult for me. I believe You can work out the situation on my behalf. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• Listen to an interview I had with her on Friday: http://benescke.co.za/podcast/getuienis_van-petroljoggie-tot-bestuurder/

• Feedback: Join the conversation, by sending an e-mail to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also share your testimony of God’s goodness at the same address.