Deur Benescke Janse van Rensburg

After last week’s piece on God knowing our deepest heart’s desires, a Verse-a-Day reader, Jothea Geldenhuys, shared this testimony with me:

Jothea: “In March last year, two days prior to my 51st birthday, I talked to God about my life up to that stage. One of the seasons that I particularly highlighted was when I, as a young, adventurous student, did au pair work in the Netherlands. It was a special time in my life. The 2-year-old girl I looked after at the time is a 30-year-old woman today with her own family. Over the years, I kept in touch with the family. During my prayer, I told the Lord that I would like to show my two sons (14 and 16 at that time) the Netherlands. Financially, however, it was impossible so it was merely a dream.

"Two days later, on my birthday, I received a WhatsApp message from the family in the Netherlands. In addition to their congratulations with my birthday, they wrote: ‘We would like to buy you and your two sons plane tickets to come and visit us in August!’ I was completely blown away. This is exactly what I asked the Lord two days prior!

"The challenge of finances for passports, visas and pocket money overshadowed my excitement for a moment. After sharing the story with a colleague at work the next day, she reminded me that I was receiving my 20-year service bonus that year at our company – something I had completely forgotten about!

"From there, everything fell into place. Time and time again I stood in amazement at the grace and goodness of the Lord. In August last year, my two sons and I left for the Netherlands on our adventure. All glory goes to God!”

Jothea is right. God wants to show us His goodness. Sometimes I wonder if it is not our lack of belief that prevents us from talking to God about what we carry in our hearts. In Hebrews 11: 6 we read: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Also in Matthew 6:31-33 Jesus says: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

What is that one thing you desire today? Your own home? A baby? A spouse? To become debt-free? To repair a broken relationship? A new job opportunity? Let’s take a step of faith and talk to God about it. He is a Father who wants good things for his children. Let us trust Him that He will also show us His goodness and grace in His time. God bless.

Father God, thank You that I know that You care about my deepest heart's desires. Like Jothea, I come in faith to You today to speak about (name the area). Please change my current situation so that I can also testify of your goodness. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• See photo of Jothea here: www.benescke.co.za or https://www.facebook.com/storiesvanhoop/

• New book: Get Benescke Janse van Rensburg's latest book, God is stééds God (Afrikaans) with more than 60 contemporary testimonies here: https://benescke.co.za/aanlyn-winkel/ Use VERS coupon for a special price.

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