19/06/2026
FRANCE By Johan Terblanche
I always thought it will be nice to visit Paris in France. I would like to see and go up the Eiffel Tower, take a cruise down the Seine River, have a picnic on the lawn of the Champ de Mars, or enjoy a meal at one of the street cafes. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to do travel to France or to enjoy any of these things in or around Paris.
But here in our country, South Africa, I can afford to buy and enjoy French polony or French loaf or French polony on a French loaf. And while enjoying it, I can imagine that I am in France.
One thing that I have learned in life is that we do not always get what we want. There are times that our prayers remain unanswered and we must live or deal with what we have.
I am sure that there are things that you prayed for and have not received. Does that mean that God does not love you?
No! Often it is the exact opposite. Often the Lord does not give us what we want because of His love for us.
Imagine a 7-year-old praying for a sport motor. What would happen if God gave him the car? He will crash, get injured or even die?
God doesn’t always give what we ask for because:
Our timing is not God’s timing. According to Ecclesiastes 3:11, God will make all things beautiful in His time, not when we want it.
God wants to do an even greater miracle in our lives. Jesus delayed going to Lazarus when he was sick. At the right time, Jesus did not just heal Lazarus but raised him from the dead. (John 11)
God wants us to become totally dependent on Him. God allowed the Israelites to become thirsty so they will realise their dependence on Him. After days of thirst, God gave then water from a rock. (See Exodus 17:1–7)
If you are praying for something today, trust God for He knows best. Let us accept His judgement and enjoy the blessings He does give us, rather than being unhappy about the ones we must wait for.
In need of prayer or guidance, please accept our invitation to pray with you by sending an email to [email protected]
Regards and God bless,
Johan Terblanche
Christ Alone Ministries