Through Thick and Thin

Feature, The Key Moment? | September 30, 2011 12:01 am

By Chris Wale


Pierre Spies, the talented South African number 8, has gone through many difficulties we can
empathise with. When he was 15 years old, his parents divorced, and only a few years later his
father died. Spies then decided to trust God with his life, but that didn’t mean the tough times ended.
Because blood clots were found in his lungs, he couldn’t take part in the 2007 World Cup. His career
hung in the balance.

He describes his response to this illness: “Imme-diately I knew God was in control. My faith was
tested, but I made a decision to praise God whether I stayed sick or got healed, because I
knew God’s plan is bigger than mine and I had to submit to His will.”

Despite this hardship, Spies trusted in God’s plan, which is found in Jesus, who said, “In my Father’s
house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place
for you” (John 14:2). Jesus is preparing a place in heaven for everyone who trusts in Him. Anyone can
take up this offer, because Jesus paid for anything we’ve done wrong by dying on the cross for us.
When we trust Him, we are no longer guilty, and like Spies, whether life is good or bad, we can praise
God and know His plan will never change.

When facing tough times, allow God to take control. He has the answers.

There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” – John 14:2 – 4

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