By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Some time ago a family with two small children were on their way home when they were in a terrible car accident. The mother died instantly. Suddenly, the father was a widower who had to raise the two toddlers on his own.

Were there questions? Yes. Answers? No. Tears? Many and there are still many. How does one survive such a tragedy? Only by grace. Throughout the whole ordeal, there were many prayers for this family - from loved ones and even people they have never met. One day the father met a beautiful woman. She was also a widow with her own son.

On their wedding day, during the groom’s speech, he said that he asked his new wife's loved ones to describe her in one word. He then listed their answers. He ended his speech with his own word, describing her, hope. Despite the pain and loss that will always be part of them, there is hope in their hearts for a beautiful future together.

God had restored. Out of something painful, something beautiful sprung forth. Not only do three busy toddlers now have a mum and dad who love each other and also them; together they can look at the future, with hearts filled with hope.

Why am I sharing this story? My hope is that you will look back on February's series and remember that there is always hope in God. In Hebrews 11: 1 we read, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Also in Romans 5:3-5 we read: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment.” 

We are on the earth for a short while. Let's enjoy life. Let's stop using an event in the past as an excuse to not living a full life. Get up, despite what happened and how you feel. Play the ball, despite how it lies. Don't just live for the "happy ending”, but live daily with God, knowing that He remains in control. He is able to turn the hardest seasons of our lives into something beautiful! Let’s retain a heart filled with hope. God bless.

Father God, thank you for being able to work everything together for good in my life. Help me persevere in difficult times, knowing that it strengthens my faith and fills me with hope. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Author's Note: Thank you to every reader who made the effort to send me e-mails and messages over the past month. I wish I had time to individually answer each one of them. I do however read through it all. My wish is that you will, with a heart filled with hope, experience God's grace and love as you walk through 2019!

God bless, Benescke