21 killed in a head-on collision, nine female bodies discovered to date, robbery, rape, hunger, pain, abuse, corruption … The stories that make our countries’ headlines day after day, after day, after day …
I love South Africa. I am proudly South African. I am awestruck by the number of beautiful, honest, good people we have in South Africa – how many powerful Salvationists we know, how many people profess to be Christian, how many agree on the basics of right and wrong … and yet the hurt continues and grows darker, seemingly every day. Habakkuk 1:2: “How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but You do not listen, or cry out to You, ‘Violence!’ but You do not save?”
This was my verse to read and ponder – “How long, O Lord?” was ‘my’ cry, my prayer, my scream and my whisper … How long must we be scared to walk the streets? How long must we be concerned every time we approach a stop street? How long must we continue to hear and experience the stories of heartbreak, loss and pain? And, O Lord, when will You fix all this?
If we read the whole book of Habakkuk, we will sense how this prophetic book explores the tensions between faith and doubt, ultimately affirming God’s sovereignty and justice. A great theological answer, but, O Lord, today, “How long?”
Then my verse this morning – Isaiah 41:13: “For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’”
O Lord, take me by the hand, hold me tight, maybe even give me a hug, and whisper into my ear and heart, “Do not fear.”
O Lord, take me by the hand, hold me tight, maybe even give me a hug, and whisper into my ear and heart, “I will help you.”
South Africa, you and me, I don’t know how long, but I do know my Father God is in control. I do know He loves me. I do accept there is evil in all areas, but I am assured that my Father God, my good Shepherd, leads me, guides me and offers me a promise of peace and help beyond my understanding.
So today, I sit again at the table He has prepared for me. I acknowledge the enemies that surround me, but I also see the preparation done by my Father. I see that my cup overflows, and together, side by side, I find the strength and desire for another day.
My friend, come to His table today. Be blessed by the preparations, be in awe of the overflowing hospitality, and trust Him. Let Him take you by the hand and help you.
The One who made time, my Father God, holds my hand and strengthens me. I pray He does the same for you.