Blessing very often follows on the heels of suffering or struggle. Have you ever noticed that? Take the life of Joseph. Abused and rejected, sold into slavery, falsely accused, incarcerated, forgotten…then exalted to the right hand of the most powerful monarch at that time.
The same is true for many biblical characters like Job, Moses, David, Ruth, and yes…even Jesus himself. With the exception of Jesus, none of the other suffering saints knew for sure that they would be vindicated, much less exalted. These characters were not immune to the usual emotions of exasperation, vexation, despondency, and despair. They asked many questions and wondered if God had forgotten them or if they had been deluded or deceived (cf. Psalm 73).
And yet, even in the midst of feelings of hopelessness and anguish, these men and women persevered in their belief that in spite of their adverse circumstances, God was and is who He said He was and is…a good, kind, loving, merciful, faithful, gracious, and righteous Father who knows very well what we are made of, and that we are feeble and fragile at best (cf. Psalm 103: 13-18). They persevered in their faith in the promises of one who never lies (Numbers 23:19), knowing that even though we are subject to the trials of life in a fallen and broken world, He would in His time and in His manner, work all things together, both the good as well as the bad, for the good of those who are His beloved children (Romans 8:28).
There are many tragedies unfolding all around us at the present time. The pandemic has ravaged people on so many different levels. Unemployment, redundancy, poverty, and starvation are current realities in many countries across the globe. Opportunists have taken full advantage of the lockdowns and have lined their own pockets with money earmarked for the destitute. Political dialogue, already well known for its inevitable divisiveness, has been taken to a whole new level of malicious and violent extremism. The news media are on a gory feeding frenzy.
Can anything good come out of this intense and sorrow-filled chaos?
Whenever I have been faced with an impossibly difficult situation, such as this present time, I have always found great comfort in the Eucharist. The Eucharist reminds me of the God who loves the world so much that He was willing to give His beloved Son as a substitute for those who were trapped in a horror far worse than this pandemic. The Eucharist reminds me that though I was once dead in my trespasses and sins, God has given me life through the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Eucharist reminds me that while I was still an enemy of God, Jesus died for me on the cross. In this I find my peace and contentment. It is enough. Come what may, I have an inheritance kept safe for me in heaven…no rust can destroy it and no thief can steal it away.
Louise and I still face many challenges here…new challenges as well as the old. But in the scheme of things, they are but little foxes…and yet little foxes that could potentially ruin this part of our Lord’s vineyard. We are still dealing with the aftermath of the lockdown restrictions and probably will be for some time to come. Planning is difficult as no one knows how the covid-19 virus may remanifest itself in the future. But we have applied the tried and tested hiking rule to life…just keep on putting one foot before the other and plod on.
Louise has now completed the eight Explore Correspondence Course modules offered by my alma mater, George Whitefield College. We are all very proud of her for persevering even in spite of the many medical and other challenges we have faced these past few months. She is also committed to the local feeding program in Villiersdorp.
I am still recording my Sunday sermons and as well as teaching a class on the Gospels on Sunday evenings. The sequel to Breakfast on the Beach is also keeping me out of mischief. In many ways, this has been a most productive time for writing, research, and studying.
We are exploring ways to train people in the J-Life material via electronic media. I must confess I have been challenged in this area…the “white-noise” level has increased tremendously in the past few months…my dear extrovert brethren, deprived of their usual social outlets, have taken to the cyberwives and the number of emails, tweets, WhatsApp messages, and zoom chats have escalated to an alarming level. I believe there is more “noise” in my life than ever before! I am beginning to exhibit an allergic reaction to my phone.
We have been invited to participate in a training program in Namibia next year in April and May. Please join us in prayer for this possibility. We are still waiting for the licensing of our camping trailer which we use when we travel instead of hotels or B&B’s.
Thankfully our children and grandchildren are all doing very well…we are grateful to our Lord for holding them in the palm of His hand. Louise’ mum can’t wait to get out of isolation! She keeps asking us where we will go once the Nursing Home allows her to freely come and go again.
Please continue to pray for our health and our safety. We love you all and pray for you all daily.
Many blessings, cyberhugs, and love
Johann and Louise
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