Benescke Janse van Rensburg

The final score on the scoreboard in Saturday's Rugby World Cup final in Japan, 32 -12 in the favor of the Springboks, will surely put smiles on our faces for years to come. The Springboks, who were not given a chance due to the lost against New Zealand in the group games, were crowned champions and will soon return home with the William Webb Ellis trophy.

In a pre-match interview, coach Rassie Erasmus said his outlook on the role of sport has changed over the years. To him it's no longer just about winning, but about inspiring supporters and filling our nation with hope. The Springboks certainly did that.

During captain Siya Kolisi interview after the match he said that he has never seen the country this much united behind the team. Even Prince Harry, who went to the locker rooms to congratulate the Springboks on their victory, said he thought South Africa as a country needed this win more than any other team.

It's easy to attribute the win to hard work and a little luck. I can't help seeing God's strategic Hand in everything – our defeat in the group matches so we could follow the path we followed to the final; the tries being scored by Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe in the final; and Duane Vermeulen being awarded man of the match. We were all represented and we all could celebrate the victory as a united nation.
 
Where there is unity, there is a blessing. That is what the enemy wants to steal in our country. In Psalm 133:1,3 we read:  “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!" In Romans 12:18 we are advised:  “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” And in Matthew 6:10, Jesus teaches people to pray with these words: “. . . Your kingdom come. Your will be done.  On earth as it is in heaven.

Let us thank God for the gift of this newfound unity and pride we experience as a nation. May we also continue to pray that God will protect this unity and bring His kingdom to our country, our families, and communities. This is how we as a nation will experience God's blessing!

Father God, thank you for the sense of unity we are currently experiencing. Help us to not worry about the future of our country, because You are already there. May we ask that Your kingdom come and Your will be done in our families, our communities and our country. We ask it in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Photos: See more inspiring stories and photos of the Springboks at www.benescke.co.za  or on the Stories van Hoop page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/storiesvanhoop/

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