Current theme: LIVE HAPPY... TODAY

DAY 9: LIVE HAPPY... AND BE EXPECTANT OF WHAT GOD CAN DO

By Benescke Janse van Rensburg                

In 2001, Goran Ivanisevic from Croatia, the 125th tennis player in the world at that stage, made history when he not only got through to the Wimbledon final with his wild card entry to the tournament, but he beat Patrick Rafter in a fierce five sets to become the new champion.

This past weekend it happened again. Until the Wimbledon men’s doubles final, few people have ever heard about Jonathan Marray and Frederik Nielsen. Their opponents, Robert Lindstedt and Horia Tecau, the fifth seed in the tournament, had the favor on their side. Not only had they won eight smaller tournaments in the past two years together, but they have also only lost one set in their journey to this year’s Wimbledon tournament. This in comparison to Marray and Nielsen, a wild card entry to the tournament and to whom this was their first tournament they ever played together. However, the Briton and Dane, Marray and Nielsen, also made history by winning the match in five sets to become the new champions.

Why do we get this warm fuzzy feeling in our hearts when the underdog on the sports field achieves a victory? Or when a street cleaner or fruit picker’s singing talent gets discovered and they receive the opportunity to present it to the world? Or when someone, in spite of a disability or doctor’s diagnoses, manages to, against all odds, still climb Mount Kilimanjaro, complete an Ironman Triathlon or set a new record? Is it perhaps because it gives us hope that our dreams can also be accomplished if we continue to trust God?

In Acts 10:34 Peter says: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.”

God used Moses, despite his speech impediment, to lead the Israelites from Egypt. He used Rahab, a prostitute to play a central role in Israel’s history. He used Saul, a murderer and prosecutor of Christians, to write a large portion of the New Testament after his conversion. And guess what, God can and wants to use you too. He is only looking for a willing heart.

Therefore, never think you are not good enough that God can use you. And never think He does not know about the dreams and desires in your heart – He placed them there, didn’t He? Pursue a relationship with Him and trust Him to direct your steps. You might just stand in amazement at what He can do in and through you if you trust Him. God bless.

Father God, thank you for accepting me the way I am. Please lead me daily through your Holy Spirit to walk in the path You have set out for me before my birth. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.