Finding Strength in the Storm: A Personal Moment from the Pulpit
While I was preaching at Every Nation Christchurch on Sunday, 20 July 2025, declaring the goodness of God and ministering a message entitled “Fresh Courage Through Prayer”, my beloved mother, Herculina Johanna Roets — aged 96 and a half — passed away in Cape Town, South Africa.
After the message, the Holy Spirit moved powerfully during ministry time. Many responded at the altar, and I could sense God's presence at work. Moments later, I looked at my phone to check for an update from my brother regarding my mom’s health. It was then that my world shifted — grief and loss entered my soul without warning.
It felt like two worlds colliding — the joy of the calling and the heartbreak of hearing news I knew would come someday. My dear mother, whom I love and honour with all my heart, had stepped into eternity.
Life often delivers these kinds of moments — sudden disappointment, deep discouragement, and unexpected pain. Our natural instinct is to withdraw, isolate, or silently press on. But Acts 4:23–31 points us to a different response.
After being threatened for preaching the gospel, Peter and John didn’t isolate themselves. “On their release, they went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them” (v.23). They turned to their community. They prayed. And the place was shaken.
There is power in not walking alone. That day, I was reminded that my strength doesn’t come from being strong — it comes from staying connected. I needed my people: my family, my friends, my church. I needed their prayers. I needed the Spirit’s refreshing.
The early church didn’t pray for escape; they prayed for boldness. And God answered by filling them again with His Spirit.
Disappointment may descend, but it doesn’t have to define us. If you're walking through grief or loss, don’t isolate. Reach out. Let trusted friends and your spiritual family walk with you. Let prayer do its healing work.
God still fills broken hearts with fresh courage. He still answers when we lift our voices together.
From Cape Town to Christchurch, from grief to grace — He was there. And He still is.
