Following on from my previous blog (March 27) and the time spent on the farm, during which God encouraged me to PERSEVERE, I returned to the farm a few days later – this time with some members of our senior Eduplex management.

We shared our challenges, frustrations and highlights, and we discussed how King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles: 20) handled his problem when he heard that a vast multitude was marching against him from beyond the Dead Sea. He was badly shaken (panicked) and instructed his people to fast and pray. The Holy Spirit then spoke through Jahaziel, one of the people present, and said that they should prepare for war, but that they would not need to fight. “Take your places, stand quietly and see the incredible rescue operation God will perform for you …. don’t be afraid or discouraged! Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you.”

Over the years 2 Chronicles 20 helped me considerably when I felt ‘vast armies’ of problems marching up against me. I have come to call it the seven “P’s” of 2 Chronicles 20. (That God gave us a miraculous answer to a specific problem the very next day, based on this part, is another story.)

1. Problem – vast armies marching.
2. Panic – Jehoshaphat was deeply disturbed.
3. Prayer – got everybody together, shared the problem and prayed.
4. Plan – God speaking through a bystander.
5. Prepare – they prepared for war and did not arrogantly sit back and wait.
6. Praise – they praised God for the victory even before the victory was given.
7. Peace – after the victory they had peace.

We then went for a game drive. Over the past 13 years, I have only seen three or four turtles on the farm. A small turtle crossed the road … and 400 metres further a larger one, and a short distance further another really big one. The largest one I have ever seen on the farm!

It was an interesting sight – nothing more. Little did I know that God had a message for me.
The next morning in my quiet time I read from one of my daily devotionals, which quoted Song of Solomon 2:12 (the same verse that was also read at the Royal Wedding):

The flowers appear on the earth;
the time of the singing of birds is come,
and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.”

I was stunned. Could God become so personal? In my mind’s eye, I clearly saw the Eduplex – the pre-school that started small, the primary school bigger, and the large turtle depicting the high school and Eduplex Training Institute that would take the vision God gave me (to make a difference in deaf education) worldwide. I then Googled “tortoise” and saw that it represents longevity, sturdiness, intelligence, prudence, multiplication (many eggs) and endurance (PERSEVERENCE!).

Finally, I understood. Sharing the vision of Eduplex would take time (maybe not even in my time), but all I needed to do was my part by enduring and persevering, not giving up, because it’s the last few yards that ultimately count!

PS – I shared this story at a business meeting. The organiser’s wife sent him a message later in the day, without knowing about my ‘turtle talk’. “Look wat the children came home with today…”

Lord, thank you that you talk to us in so many wonderful ways. Through Your Word, other people, circumstances, and even nature. Please open my eyes that I will not only see, but also understand. Amen.