God can lead and guide us in many different ways. Often I find a song or a verse in the Bible that speaks directly to my need at the time. I would repeat the verse or keep listening to the song, claiming the truths about how God promises to guide and can help me.
Often I have no idea what the answer will be but I find that as I do this, my trust in God’s solution grows and with that, peace fills my difficult time.
One such time was three years ago as we were applying for university admission for my daughter, Andrea. During the very long 11 months that it took to get her in, I was never sure that it was going to happen. Often I wondered how I would respond if God’s answer is “no, she’s not getting in!”
At this time I came across a cd of Joe Niemand called “Ek sal nie bang wees nie”. There is a song “My hart kniel” which means that I submit completely to God.
In this song there is one line saying the following:
“Jy kan jou toekoms in Sy hande sit want Hy is liefde en Hy sal jou vergewe, elke keer sal Hy jou weer terugkoop, Hy sal betaal vir jou lewe”
Translated it means that we can put our future in God’s hands, He is loves and will forgive, He bought us back and paid for our lives.
During this time I held onto this promise that Andrea’s future was in God’s hands and that He cares and knows what the outcome will be.
Without a doubt that was the year of my life that I shed the most tears and doubted myself more often than not – was I doing the right thing? Should I push or wait patiently? Should I phone one more time? Am I messing up another child’s chances? And it went on and on and on!
“Why the difficult, long route. Lord?” was my cry.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4: 6-7) was my verse for that year, stuck on the side of my computer screen because I needed to be reminded often, to be able to withstand all the worry and doubt.
Often my friends or something I read or hear in a sermon serves as a way that God uses to answer my prayers, to communicate His grace and peace with me. We can choose to listen for God’s response – choose to accept His grace. I firmly believe that God knows what is best for me, therefor I trust His answers to my prayers, even if not always immediately. Eventually I understand that He knows better. There is often a difference between “what I need” and “a nice to have” to which God may say no, which is also an answer!
Romans 8:28 is our family’s favourite Bible verse because it says that God will use all things, even the bad things and difficult times, for the good of those who love Him. After all, He is in control, and that gives me a lot of peace of mind. I am so glad that God is in control of my life! I may not have known the outcome of the process but had peace of mind and could trust Him all the way.
Jesus is our “forever friend”, that one person that will always stand by us, sometimes carrying us, guiding us in every situation. He gives us the strength to carry on, regardless of what happens to us.
He was faithful and today Andrea is a successful Occupational Therapist, enjoying every moment of her work, dedicating it to God and using her God given talents to further His Kingdom, even in her workplace.
Stephne Kendall
If and when this Testimony has spoken into your heart, please go to the Commitment page.