Day 16: Pray as if you know God hears - 23 November 2021
By Benescke Janse van Rensburg
I like stories in which people had to get out of the boat to trust God - and when they do, they reap the rewards. I would like to share one such story from my book, God is stééds God, by a local entrepreneur, Miné van Schalkwyk, from Hadassa Clothing.
In the kitchen Miné stood thinking of the beautiful piece of material she had bought. Up to this point, every design she tried with it had failed. She was frustrated and desperate. On the floor in the kitchen, she went down on her face before God and begged Him to guide her through His Spirit to design something that would work - and that would sell quickly.
For months up to this point, Miné experienced how God led her step by step in everything she needed to build her business, as well as designing the garments with a spiritual connotation to dress women. That was the prophetic word she received earlier. Most days, however, she needed to trust God and listen carefully as the Holy Spirit led her.
On the kitchen floor, Miné again prayed for wisdom and that God would remove the invisible concrete wall she felt was blocking her creativity. While waiting for God, she experienced two things. The first was a question: "So you want to make something that will sell quickly?" Her answer immediate was "yes". The second was an instruction: "Take the material and go and make a hoody."
Mine was shocked. "Who on earth is going to buy a tracksuit top?" she wanted to ask. However, the moment she sat down to start drawing, she could clearly see on which part of the top the beautiful floral material had to be sewn.
After the tops were completed, they did a photo shoot for marketing. The photos came out so nicely, that Miné decided to post one as a preview on their social media page to test the reaction. Within the next 24 hours after the placement, all the tops were sold out. "I was stunned," she said. "God is really good. He totally exceeded my expectation. All He requires of us is obedience.”
God is involved in the detail of our lives. In Proverbs 3: 5-6 we read: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Also in James 1: 5 we read: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
God is closer to us than it sometimes feels and more eager to help us. Let’s start praying with the knowledge that He hears. God bless.
Father God, thank You for Your goodness in my life. Please help me to remain obedient in every situation. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
· Picture: See pictures of Mine’s top
o Website: www.benescke.co.za
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· Books: 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 the VERS coupon for a special price. The reprint of God was Dáár is also available now.
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