Eighteen months we have been in lockdown with no end in sight. I think about how our lives have changed. How we now value life more than anything else. Forgotten are the frequent flyer programmes that give us status in our own eyes. No one cares about my status – life, friendships and family are now more important than ever before.
Many struggle getting to grips having lost loved ones, businesses, life savings, marriages and their health, to only mention a few.
We are forced to think about death which has become a reality all around us. Am I also going to die in the parking lot of the hospital with no available beds or will I die alone in my room?
“…. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us…” 2 Corinthians 1:8(b) – 10.
It’s so easy to lose heart and become sad and depressed as we see so many of our family and friends sick and some dying. It’s so easy to give up, and if I continue to rely on myself I will eventually give up. That’s why it is so important to force myself to rely on God, the creator of heaven and earth who promised that
“I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous.” Joshua 1:5-6(a)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength… “ Isaiah 30:15
I have to pray, like never before! I have to read, like never before! I have to put my trust in God who is the source of hope. I picked up my Bible and again read some of the many familiar verses I have underlined over the years ….
- Isaiah 41:10
- Isaiah 44:2
- Psalm 46:1
- Psalm 16:2-3
- Psalm 27:1
- John 16:33(b)
- Romans 10:9-13
- Philippians 4:6+7
- Luke 8:18(a)
- Revelation 3:10
As I paged from verse to verse, I became greatly encouraged as I realised I had to endure patiently and not loose heart. That this season of despair will also pass and when we are saved and restored from this trial, we will be given a new beginning as God promised in Isaiah 43:18+19 (Life Application Bible)
“But forget all that – it is nothing compared to what I’m going to do! For I’m going to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Don’t you see it?
I will make a road through the wilderness….and create rivers in the desert.”
So let me rekindle my quiet time, pray earnestly for those that are suffering. Let me trust God to carry us through this season, let me be encouraged from His Word and in turn, encourage my family, friends and staff to not give up, but to look up, not to lose heart, not to be afraid but to be strong and very courageous during this terrible time of adversity – it is but a season.
Dear Nico,
I’m so happy to know someone else is praying for Sonova
God bless you!
Baie dankie vir jou boodskap Nico. Daar is vir ons werklik geen ander hoop nie.
Thank you Nico. Great message especially as this period has brought perspective on what is important and provided time to strengthen our relationship with God.
Thanks Nico, yes in deed it is a season and it too shall pass… God bless!!!
Kragtig en motivering vir hierdie oomblik. Dankie Nico Sterkte vir julle ook.
Dankie Nico vir die boodskap van hoop. My pa sê altyd: God sal ons nooot “drop” nie.
Thank you for the message we are so Blessed, since he knows the plans for giving us hope and future Amen
Very inspiring message as always.
Baie dankie Nico vir die pragtige boodskap, was so nodig!
Baie goeie skrywe. So bring die Here ‘n wolk oor die wêreld om die mensdom terug te bring om vir mekaar om te gee eerder as om vir onself in weelde te laat lewe. This is what we call ‘back to the basics’.
`n Baie waardevolle boodskap in onseker tye. Dankie Nico.
Thank you for your encouragement that we desperately need in this time – “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you, says the Lord. Plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Dankie vir die so nodige aansporing om aan te hou vertrou. My boodskap vanoggend was uit Ps 91:3-6, my soveel moed gegee. Ons Skepper leef werklik!!!
Baie dankie die._x000D_
Die skep ‘n vaste fondasie om die negatiewe aanslae te kan afweer.
Thank You Nico.
Confirmation and encouraging!
The Lord gave Isaiah 32, where this season was described in detail 1 year and a few months before it started. Later gave us the same encouragement you quoted, which we gave to our dear friends going through financial turmoil. The Lord let the Government release a long outstanding payment (five years) to them and created a river in the desert.
The Lord told my wife and I that we will not be taken by this “Pest”. We got Covid a week or so back. I have a lot of Comorbidities. Statistics not on my side. I had NO, absolutely NO other serious symptoms. Chest clear, not even fever. My wife the same. The fight is the Lord’s. (EX.14). Hope this also encourages someone else!
Thank you so much Nico for inspiring us to look up and never give up. May God bless you abundantly.
Timely words, just for me. _x000D_
Thank you and continue to be the blessing you are for many._x000D_
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“On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us…”
Baie dankie oom Nico_x000D_
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Wonderlike nuwe hoop, nuwe mik vanuit my gedagtes, in die rigting waar God se hoop vandaan kom._x000D_
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Amen
Powerful and true Words of Life, thank you Nico. God’s richest blessings for you!
Thank you Nico for this confirmation today. _x000D_
I received a message from my one friend early this morning to say God never said, “Understand me” God said, “Trust Me.”