The powerful Word – 15 February 2023
By Benescke Janse van Rensburg
Um(Imi)bhalo weBhayibheli
2 AmaKhosi 2
Ihubo 119
KumaHeberu 4
Izwi likaNkulunkulu liphilile, linamandla
A Verse-a-Day reader from the Free State recently wrote to me:
Jan: “In 2009 I bought a beautiful cattle farm in the Free State and establish the herd. Water in this part of the Free State was scarce and boreholes deep. Every drop of water was utilised and no water was wasted.
“At one stage, a critical borehole on the farm dried up. This created a crisis. Having no alternatives, I earnestly turned to God. As I began to pray for wisdom and guidance, I opened my Bible and read 2 Kings 2:19-22. In this part of the Bible the water of Jericho became poisonous for the people. Elisha ordered them to buy a new dish and salt and throw it into the water.
“It felt as if God gave me the same assignment. Obediently, I bought the bowl and salt and threw it into the hole. A few days later the water was back and to this day the borehole produces water.
“Years later, the same situation confronted me. This time I planted 400 trees in one of the orchards on a farm in the Klein Karoo. Although the farm is blessed with strong underground water, one of the boreholes dried up after a drought of seven years. Immediately I went back to the Word I had received earlier. I threw salt in the hole. This time things did not change immediately. In faith I went back to the hole with salt for a second and third time. Only after the third time did the water return. Until today the hole produces water.
“My experience has taught me the importance of looking away from problems and trials while focusing on God’s infallible Word for guidance. He still answers. We just need to remain faithful during challenging seasons.”
Jan is right. God’s Word is powerful. In Psalm 119:105 we read: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” In Hebrews 4:12 it is written: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow …” (Scripture texts: NIV)
What challenges are you facing today? May we remember that God’s Word is still a light to our path. Let’s also continue to trust Him if the answer takes longer than expected! God bless.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for your Word. Please speak to me today and help me to remain obedient if the answer takes longer than expected. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen
