God often appears to people in their most vulnerable moments. Abraham's story teaches us that God did not fulfill His promise to Abraham when he was young and hopeful. Instead, He waited until Abraham was old and saw himself as useless, demonstrating His power and ability. During COVID-19, many were left with very little; in those hardships, some experienced God's presence. My family was among those who learned that even in tough times, God's strength remains clear.
I had never owned any property before; I only rented flats in South Africa, where renting can be expensive, particularly for an average worker. Fortunately, God's goodness and mercy were with me and my family. One day, my daughter asked, ''Mom, do you think it's time to get our own place?'' I agreed that it was a good idea.
I had always hoped that once my daughter finished school, we would move out of Johannesburg's Central Business District to find a more affordable place in the township. She brought up this idea at the right moment. The only way we could afford a new home was by applying for a bank loan to buy a bond house, but I wasn't in favor of that. I wished there was another alternative. Buying a house through a bond meant paying the bank for nearly twenty-five years, which I found too long. My daughter kept trying to convince me that we wouldn't really feel the burden since our current rent would go towards the bond payments. I was hesitant, especially given the many years involved. Eventually, I agreed to let her handle everything. That same week, one of our women's ministry members shared an excerpt from Ellen G. White’s writings, emphasizing that people should leave the cities. It was a lengthy read, and afterward, I felt troubled. What I learned made me question the idea of owning a house in the city. I felt that God was guiding me, and I couldn't ignore His message.
When I arrived home, my daughter eagerly shared her progress. I listened in silence before asking her opinion on buying property near Pretoria's outskirts, where it’s less busy. She didn't hesitate and agreed it was a good idea. She mentioned having a friend in Hammanskraal who once suggested she look for land there. Without delay, she scheduled a meeting for the weekend to gather more information. Although they didn’t find any available plots at the time, they returned several weeks later, unbeknownst to me.
One day, my daughter approached me on the couch, excitedly showing me pictures on her phone of my new home. We had previously agreed to buy an undeveloped plot to save costs, but the pictures my daughter showed me revealed a four-room shack, a water tank, and a latrine. She told me it was a good deal because we wouldn't need extra funds for building, although the owner only accepted cash. The price was R40,000 ($2,263), and we had just a few days to pay, which we didn't have. My confidence wavered, but my daughter’s remained strong.
Through this, I learned that if God is in it, He will always make you find a way. That day, I saw the POWER of God in a way I had never seen. When God says in Mark 10:27, “’With men this is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible,’” He meant it. “God is not man that he should lie, nor the son of man that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19).
God granted us wisdom to know what steps to take. We searched our pockets and found R20,000 among us at home. We then began calling people for help. Many couldn't assist, but I believe the Holy Spirit prompted me to think of two people who eventually helped us. I considered my nephew and called him for R10,000. Initially, he said he didn't have it, but midway through the call, he changed his mind and transferred the money to us. Then, I thought of my burial society, which lends money and requires repayment within three months with 10% interest. I didn't hesitate; I contacted the chairman, who, like my nephew, was shocked by the amount I requested. He presented it to the group, which approved it. We were overwhelmed with happiness, witnessing God's miraculous hand providing for us. God organized this money for us within an hour. Even now, I struggle to find words when recalling this miracle, but I will always praise and thank the Lord deep in my heart.
At the end of that year, my work contract expired. I was given the option of redundancy or transferring to a different site. I chose redundancy, as I felt a transfer would probably require working on a Sabbath, which I wanted to avoid. Using the severance pay, I started building a house. Although it's not yet complete, I have a roof over my head. I am fully convinced that this was all due to the good Lord's work. Thank You, Jesus.
Joel 2:25 says, “So I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you.” While renting, we paid exorbitant rent. We nearly lost everything, but God is restoring what I lost during that period. Currently, I am living rent-free with only electricity expenses, and occasionally, we purchase water.
While writing this article, the Lord reminded me of King David's words to God in 2 Samuel 7:18, “’Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house that You have brought me this far?’”
Call to Action
“The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up.” 1 Samuel 2:7. No matter your circumstances, God is always prepared to transform your life. Let us learn to trust in the Lord rather than relying only on our own understanding. God is always willing to lift up the humble from the ashes. May His name be glorified.
All scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
