Are you grateful? – Day 5

A few years ago, just before Easter, we wanted to demonstrate Jesus’ love in a practical way to families in the Cape Peninsula. With our Project Oasis at Radio Tygerberg 104fm, listeners could nominate families in need via our SMS line in the studio. We then selected five families and surprised them, during the morning show, at their homes with vouchers for food and clothes.

One of the families was nominated by Simoné Solomons from Blue Downs. Here is an excerpt from her SMS: “I am a matric learner and would like to nominate our family. We are going through a difficult time. Sometimes we have no food to eat. Yet my mother, Dianne, stays extremely positive. She is also a volunteer at a school in our neighbourhood, where she helps to prepare food for the needy children. It makes me sad to see my mother’s teary eyes when she gets up from the floor after prayer. My younger brother often asks when the Lord will give us a breakthrough. My mother always answers: ‘God’s time is the right time. I believe the breakthrough will be soon …’ ”

When we arrived at the Solomons’ house in Blue Downs, Dianne, Simoné’s mother, was clearly surprised. Before we even announced why we were there, I could already sense her faith and gratitude. This woman was grateful for all she had – even though it was little.

With the news of them receiving a voucher for food and clothing, they were all in tears. It was clear that it would bring great relief. Dianne thanked us through her tears, but at the same time, encouraged other people going through tough times to trust God. Then came the second surprise: We named Simoné a winner for our annual Matric Dance Project. It is a project by which we team up with some sponsors in order to provide all that is needed for a dream matric farewell, for three matric learners in the Cape Peninsula. Again there were tears.

What we did not know was that Dianne, the weekend before our visit, went to various places to apply for a loan. She wanted to use the money to have a dress made for Simoné’s matric farewell. However, each application was rejected. Back at their home, she went into the bathroom and behind closed doors, she wept before God. She did not have a plan B. When she eventually left the bathroom, Simoné came to her saying: “You know, Mum, maybe God does not want us to apply for a loan. Maybe he will suddenly provide for us.” We did not know it, but God saw her faith and he honoured it.

In Colossians 4:2 we read: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” And in Psalm 50:14: “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving …”

When do we give an offering? When it hurts. How do we “offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving”? We should thank God when it is difficult to do so and despite our circumstances, with the knowledge that he still can turn our situation around. The Solomons did. They passed the test and God honoured their faith. What breakthrough are you waiting for? Let us continue steadfastly in prayer while staying thankful and bringing sacrifices of thanksgiving. God might just, as he did for the Solomons, suddenly cause your breakthrough to happen. God bless.