By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

A Q-ship is a warship disguised as a merchant ship during wartime. When the enemy gets close enough to the ship, the disguise is thrown off and the cannons are pulled out to fight off the enemy.

The 18-year-old Siyamthanda Mtyeku had every right to feel sorry for himself. Not only does he live with 4 other people in a one-bedroom shack in an informal settlement in Cape Town; the one plate of food he received from the food scheme at school was often the only food he had for the day.

Along with his hunger, Siyamthanda had to deal with the loud shebeen music from across the road as he studied for his final exam. He did not allow it to distract him from his goal to finish school. He managed to pass the final exam with 7 distinctions. A number of individuals were inspired by his story and Siyamthanda will soon start medical school with a full scholarship!

All of us were created to be a valuable warship with infinite potential. Disappointment, hurt or an inferiority complex due to a disadvantaged background or circumstances often cause us to become a "merchant ship" for fear of being hurt or disappointed again.

In Isaiah 43: 15, God reminds the Israelites that He is in control: “I am the Lord, your holy God, the Creator of Israel, your King. Thus says the Lord, He who made a path through the sea, a passage through the mighty waters . . .” Also in Philippians 4:13 we read: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” And in Psalm 43: 5 we read, “Why, my soul, are you downcast?  Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

What would have happened if Siyamthanda felt sorry for himself? Or perhaps stopped trying as he knew there would be no money to go and study?

Let us remind ourselves that God created us each to be a Q-SHIP. He will make a way where there seems to be no way. Let us put our hope in Him, allowing Him to reveal to us the potential He has placed within each of us! God bless.

Father God, thank you for being in control of my life. Please help me to not allow circumstances to prevent me from being all that You created me to be. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

  • Reader’s feedback on characteristics of God with the letter “P”: Protector, Promise keeping God, Praise worthy, Prince of Peace, Pillar of strength.
  • LETTER Q: What qualities of God do you think of under the letter ‘Q’? You can send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or comment on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storiesvanhoop/ 

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