By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Amy-Leigh. The name of the 6-year old brown-eyed girl who was kidnapped on Monday morning in front of her school in Vanderbijlpark, popped up in almost every conversation I had over the past 24 hours. Initially, the discussions were filled with fear and shock. Where was she? Would she be found alive?

The police and Amy-Leigh’s family did everything possible to find her, while various groups on social media mentioned that they are praying that God would send his angels to keep Amy-Leigh safe. Also that she would be found soon.

By 2am yesterday morning, Wynand and Angeline de Jager, Amy-Leigh’s parents, were still at the police station - waiting for any news about their child. Wynand decided to step outside for fresh air, when he saw the two adults approaching with a child with them. It was Amy-Leigh! The kidnappers dropped her off at a mall minutes prior. When she cried and screamed, the adults came to her rescue and accompanied her to the police station.

Did God hear the multitude of prayers that went up for Amy-Leigh? Definitely. Are there situations where people also pray, but where the story does not have a happy ending? Unfortunately yes. My heart breaks every time I hear of another family who has to identify a body of a loved one.

What struck me from the conversations surrounding Amy-Leigh, was how many parents in our country live in fear for their own children's safety. I understand that. I caught myself yesterday morning holding my own 6-year-old girl's hand a little tighter when I dropped her off at school. However, what we must realize is that God remains in control. He protects our children when we are not there to do so, because they in effect belong to Him.

May we remind ourselves of the words in Psalm 91: 9-11: “If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’  and you make the Most High your dwelling no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Also in Psalm 91:14 we read:  “‘Because he loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.’”

I can't help wondering what happened in the spiritual realm due to all the prayers that went up the protection of little Amy-Leigh. Were there angels who protected her? Were the adults positioned there to guide her to safety after she was released? Was her father outside the police station so he could see her first? Yes, we live in a broken world, but we worship the One who remains in control of our lives and our future! May we keep our eyes on Him. God bless.

Father God, thank you for being our Protector. Help me not to allow fear to paralyze me, but to always put my faith in You. I ask it in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• See photo of Amy-Lee on the Stories van hoop page on Facebook or at www.benescke.co.za
  

• Feedback: Please give feedback or share your testimony of God's breakthroughs in your life at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. It is always wonderful to hear from you. Benescke