Grace Kept Us

The following is a transcript of the devotion that my wife, Sarah had for our denomination on their media platforms for the month of August, where all the lovely women of our local churches shared for each day of the month. Enjoy.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." Proverbs 31 Vs 30 (NIV)

I greet you in the precious name of the most high God.

How great it is that we as Children of God
Can turn our mourning into dancing...
Our sorrows into joy...
Our tests  into testimonies
All because  Jesus Overcame it all...
My scripture for today is taken from the book of Psalm 16:

"Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.” Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips. LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (NIV)


To quote Dr John Piper the main point of  psalm 16 from his understanding is this:

 "God will bring you — body and soul — through life and death to full and everlasting pleasure, if he is your safest refuge, and your supreme treasure, and your sovereign Lord, and your trusted counselor." 


As women we have many concerns and everyday  issues that we stress about ,be it family, work and home but let's shift our focus on v2 where king david says "you are my Lord apart from you I have no good thing...." God is our Treasure there is nothing in this world that should matter more...according to the psalmist God should be your first Choice ...God is not our hopeless END, He is our ENDLESS hope. He is the ultimate decision maker.
I find this scripture so fitting  for us during this time of destruction  and  turmoil because in verses 7 to10 just how David is sure that God is his refuge, counselor, and  his strength  let us also be sure that God will forever be the same for us . God will not abandon us.

Let me share my testimony  with all of you.


July 2021 has been one of the scariest  months of my entire life.


One: We had the devastating unrest and chaos especially in Phoenix(Durban, South Africa), watching the news seeing all the devastation and living right near an informal settlement  which brought on more fear aswell as having  the  helicopters flying right over our roofs.

But  GOD...

We weren't  safe because  our yards are fenced nor because of the neighborhood watch nor the helicopters. I believe we were kept safe because  each door and window post of ours was protected  by the blood of Jesus.

Psalm16 vs 1 "In you I take refuge...."
GOD IS OUR SAFE REFUGE..EVEN THOUGH WE MAY HAVE SAFETY MEASURES IN PLACE HE IS THE SAFEST!

Two: during the unrest my sister fell sick the worse I've ever seen. Even after having  a vaccine from the doctor and medication she still had a high fever, weakness and difficulty speaking and breathing, so we went to get tested for covid at the local clinic  and the results were negative but still my sister wasn't doing any good. So on Tuesday the 20th of July she went to another doctor who only by looking at her said she needed to be hospitalised for covid pneumonia at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Durban. 

Now being a nurse I know alittle bit of being in hospital with Covid 19 being all alone, no visitors, being isolated, etc. I was devastated!
Non the less she was admitted and  treatment was good. After 3 days she was ready for discharge. She had to have an oxymeter at home as well as oxygen and even organising  the oxygen  was no hassle. It was God! He came through! So many people stood in the gap for my family. My dad also contracted  the virus and had one of the worse coughs I've ever heard throughout my career.

But GOD...

They both are on the road to full recovery and are doing well. My husband Pastor Shane, my 4 year old son Zachariah, my mum and myself were asymptomatic.

It was GRACE that kept us.

There were many times I asked God  why isn't Covid 19 ending but  then I was reminded of Proverbs 3:5 which states:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding...." (NIV)


I have come to realize  that I should Leave everything in his Hands. He is Sovereign and He is the Lord that counsels.
Trust in him through it all.
Through all situations  and circumstances in our lives  just remember to trust  God with all your  heart. God has a reason for  allowing things to happen  we just have to trust His will. He will never leave us nor forsake us...it is His Grace that keeps us. 
God knows you..God hears you ...God loves you!

To all phenomenal women out there I would  like to wish u well this women's month.


May the LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Stay Safe! Stay Blessed!


With Love and Grace,

Sarah

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