By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

[Over the past few days, several readers testified about God's goodness. Here are three testimonies that may encourage you.]

Reader 1, Claudia: “About two years ago, my boys each desired a pair of Nike sneakers. Because I knew we could not afford it, I told them, ‘Let us pray and trust the Lord.’ I knew His Word says He can provide for us. We also read in Psalms: ‘Call unto me in your time of trouble. I will deliver you and you need to honour Me.’

A few days before Christmas, I became a bit anxious because I knew the disappointment would be great if the kids did not get the sneakers. My husband and I and the children chose to trust God’s Word. Without anyone knowing about our request to God, my older sister came to deliver Christmas gifts for my children. What was it? Two pairs of sneakers – the exact Nikes they desired. I could explode with excitement. God is truly involved in the details of our lives and we can trust Him for everything – big or small!”

Reader 2, Trevor: “At age 14, I started smoking. Initially only a few cigarettes, but over time it increased significantly. In April 2010, I made coffee one morning. I could not wait to smoke my first cigarette after the coffee. My chest ached, and I knew it had something to do with the 35 cigarettes I smoked the day before. In the past, I often tried to quit smoking. However, the withdrawal symptoms made me a bitter, unpleasant, bad-tempered man. It affected my balance and I even struggled to keep the car in the correct lane.

The temptation for a cigarette prevailed, and I lit one. Halfway through the cigarette, I heard a voice in my heart (I believe it was the Holy Spirit). The voice told me to quit smoking. I wanted to take one last drag and put it out, but when I brought it to my mouth, the voice was there again, convincing me to put it down. I did, closed my eyes and prayed, 'Lord, I want to quit smoking but can not do it alone. Please help me.’ At that moment, a miracle happened. It was as if God touched me.

To this day, I have had no withdrawal symptoms. Everyone talks about how easily I've stopped smoking. In all honesty, the truth is that it was God who had set me free. We just need to acknowledge our dependence on Him. He remains Almighty.”

Reader 3, Marna: “In March 2013, my brother's son, Hendry, was shocked by electricity. He was completely unconscious. My brother, Werner, rushed him to the doctors. They live 10 minutes from town. Arriving at the doctors, they saw Hendry did not have a heartbeat. For 20 minutes they struggled to get Hendry’s heart to beat again. When it did, the doctors feared for brain damage because he was without oxygen for so long. They put Hendry under sedation for 10 days to prevent swelling of the brain. After 10 days they woke him up. The result? Henry did not suffer any brain damage and plays like any other normal child. Nothing is impossible to God!”

God wants to demonstrate His greatness to us. He can provide, set us free and protect us. In Psalm 145:18-19, we read: “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.” Let us give thanks today to Him for who He is for us. God bless.

Father God, thank you that You know about everything in your life. Today, I bring (name the challenge) to you. Lead me, while in the waiting process for my breakthrough. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• See photos of the readers at www.benescke.co.za or the Stories van hoop page on the social media, FBook.
• You can share your testimony of God’s goodness here: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Assignment for the day: Think about a breakthrough only God could provide for you. Thank Him for it - and share it with at least one person.

Feedback: For feedback on the series or if you have a testimony to share about something God did in your life, please send me an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. It's always nice to hear from readers. Benescke