I was going to post this yesterday morning as I was experiencing the fullness of the beauty that surrounds me where I live. I had chores and appointments, and the day just flew by, so here it is a day late. Seven months ago, I lost every material possession I had, except for my 19 year old car and clothing. This, not due to irresponsible management of my affairs, gambling, speculative investments, being taken in by someone etc. Although I clearly knew it was possible, I never in my wildest dreams thought that it would happen to me. I have been debt free for about 18 years and careful about everything I do. To add to my woes, my health took a dive to a parlous state. I lost 10 kilos in one month. My diabetes was totally out of whack. At one point I seriously believed that I would not live for longer than a week. I was lonely, confused about certain things, and after walking 50 years with/under God, it felt that when I cried, and prayed, the heavens were as brass unto me, that my prayers just bounced straight back at me. The enemy of my soul kept whispering to me: Hes abandoned you, Hes left you to your own devices.. At one point I had three days supply of insulin left, no money for more, or for other chronic meds. No money for petrol. My car licence had just expired. I discovered that wires were sticking out of one of its tyres. No place to go to. A leader in my church told me that it was not a welfare organisation.The only prospect I had, was to go to a homeless shelter. I suffered the deepest hurt and humiliation on many fronts. Through an extremely difficult and painful process, God brought me to a place Where, not only was I paid a lump sum of money, but also a monthly stipend, for the rest of my days. With that, I could find a place to rent. The amount could only really get me a place in the sticks, or in an area where I would be unhappy to live. It was then that I saw my hokkie advertised in Gumtree, at the utmost limit of my budget. About 400 people had viewed the advert. But there was no phone number, only an email address. I used my God given mental acuity and imagination, and saw that the advertiser also advertised about four other properties in different places. Also no phone numbers....except for one big ticket property for rental at about R28,000 per month. No pussy footing around there. So, I telephoned the agent, referred to my ad,obtained the address, flew out to the hokkie at break-neck speed, spoke to the owner, and bagged it. Why the long spiel about it all? Apart from theology, Christians who were Jobs comforters, and the views of sceptics, the God whom I served for 50 years, showed me that even though I thought I had more faith than most, that I, in fact, could do with even more, and that the depth, width and breadth of his love and compassion is immeasurable. That notwithstanding my failings and sinfulness (not taken lightly, or with gay abandon by myself), that he is still there, and here (transcendent and immanent), and He is still God. In His great mercy, and Grace, He chose the place, and facilitated my move to it, where I daily feel the effects of its recuperative, healing balm. I get stronger every day and appreciate a meaningful, deep relationship with my heavenly Father, who is my rock and protector. I am not wrapped in cotton wool to avoid the many troubles that life brings all of us, but Im strengthened and buoyed by the knowledge that He is my protector and guide who steers and guides me through lifes stormy seas until my journey is done.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 07:19:27 +0000
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