Our son entered the Ironman in Durban. The athletes swim 3.8km, cycle 180km, and then run a full marathon on top of that. I don’t understand how you can do all this, especially if you have a small body like mine. 

It reminds me of Proverbs 28:1, which says: “The wicked runs away, though no one chases him.” But I suspect that’s a story for another day. Today, we will talk about the people who do what God wants. 

So, my son waited until the last minute to finalise his transport and travel arrangements. Two days before the event he informed me that he had booked his flights. 

I asked where he planned to stay. “Well,” he said, “you said you would arrange with Uncle Jan.” I saw the thunderclouds gathering quickly on the horizon. I’d only asked Jan whether there was a possibility of my son spending the night with them, and now it was too late to say my son was on his way. 

Then I remembered someone mentioning one day that if we ever came to Durban, we should stay with her. Fortunately, I know my own ability and saved her number: Belinda, Accommodation Durban. 

Later that evening, I sent a careful, sensitive message to enquire if the offer still stood and whether it also extended to my son. By then, it was less than two days before he had to have a place to stay. 

The next morning, I got the following message: “Good evening! I don’t know who I’m talking to right now. Unfortunately, I’m not at home on Saturday night”. 

OK, that’s understandable. We waited too long to find a bed for my son. Now we would just have to book one of those expensive hotels and because it was such a big event in the city, their prices were probably higher than usual. 

The thunderclouds came rolling in faster on the horizon. 

After Belinda said she didn’t know who she was talking to and she wasn’t home in any case, she continued: “Your son is very welcome to come and sleep in my house, if he doesn’t mind looking after himself.” 

Can you believe it? To offer something like that to someone these days if you’re not actually sure you know who you’re talking to! 

I messaged her back: “Wow, Belinda! It’s amazing that you’re so kind, especially considering you don’t even know me. It’s a great testimony to your heart, especially given how bad things are going in our country!” 

Belinda’s way of life reveals who she believes in. Driven by gratitude, she opens her heart, home, and life to those in need.” 

I know where Belinda is going because she does things that warm God’s heart. She’s on her way to her eternal Father because that’s what the Bible says: 17… but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity. 

Let our hearts tell exactly the same story. 

Scripture
1 John 2:15-17 

Reflection
What story does your heart tell?
Do you do as God asks?
Are you certain that you will always follow God’s path?  

Prayer
Father, thank you for the beautiful story. I want to be like that too. I also want to do what You ask and make a difference in people’s lives. Give me the strength, will and insight to live like that. Amen.