This has certainly been a week of disaster here in Durban, South Africa. Sadly, over 200 shopping malls were looted and many destroyed along with factories, warehouses and businesses. More than 30 trucks transporting food and other goods were burned. Major freeways used to ship goods from the port in Durban inland to many other countries were closed for days. Tragically, over 200 lives were also lost in the conflict.
Jeremiah 17:17b says, “You alone are my hope in the day of disaster.” Just before this in verses 7 & 8, it says, “But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”
Heat, drought & disaster cannot cause us to dry up, be fruitless or lose hope when we have our roots deep into God. He miraculously sustains us and helps us to reach out to others, while performing miracles and bringing about His purposes.
Note: the verse I couldn’t remember in the video was Luke 3:11, “John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”
I also forgot to clarify that along with the private security personnel and police there many private individuals who volunteered to take shifts at the barricades throughout the night and daytime to keep the residential areas and shops safe, and they are still out there until the military arrive during this weekend.
In the video link above I share a story of giving away a bag of flour to those in need and the same day receiving back freshly baked bread rolls from a completely unexpected source. Yesterday I gave someone tinned tuna in a food parcel and today was given fresh sardines – my own miracle of loaves and fishes!
Photo credit: Scott Kotze
