Day 18 – Forgive while you still can

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Shantal continues, “Just before leaving Cape Town my mom and I were talking. I asked her to forgive me for the harsh things I had said to her over the years. Anger I had carried from childhood at certain events in my life, towards her. I told her Jesus forgave me for my sins when I had asked Him into my life, and I wanted to extend forgiveness to her for the things that had occurred growing up. She asked me to forgive her too. She then said she wanted to ask Jesus to forgive her for things she had done. I prayed with her and led her in the sinner’s prayer. HALLELUJAH!!!! A very emotional but cathartic experience for both of us.

A woman at the church I attended whenever I visited my sister in Joburg, came to my flat and ministered to my mother every week.  She shared that the Word anointed her and prayed for her and me.

My sister and I spent 6 wonderful months with her. Taking her out whenever she was up for it. We shared precious LIFE with her. My brother came from Australia, and we got to spend 4 days together with her. Forgiveness and restoration between him and her also occurred.

On 11 February 2017, 7 years ago, a day before my birthday, she quietly and peacefully passed with all 3 children around her telling her how much she was loved. We still deal with the pain of missing her, but I know where she is and that I will see her one day. A week later after her funeral, I got a job and started work. His faithfulness is my shield and rampart.

I am still trusting for my sister and nephew to come back to Jesus. They’re backslidden. My brother and wife believe in Jesus but are not in church. Their eldest daughter is saved and very involved with the youth group in her church. She has personal struggles with an eating disorder and anxiety and is in hospital right now. All I can do is trust the Lord for her complete healing. The other 2 daughters have not yet given their lives to the Lord. I have stood on the word… As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24: 15 vs 2), for years.”

Prayer: Father, thank You for this testimony teaching us to forgive while we still can and to ask forgiveness while we still can. Lord, I thank You for this beautiful daughter who took time out of her own life to spend it with her mother, honouring and respecting her as Your Word says. We pray with her for her family to come to Jesus. Amen.