God Help Us

2026-06-22

Father God, I Need Intervention

You Know, Lord… You Know!

It is with reluctance and a sense of dread that I have opened my word processor to tell it as it is.

People often say that the truth will set you free, but being truthful is not always comfortable. Then again, I can confidently say that the Truth is Jesus Christ—our Lord and our Saviour. One thing I know from practical experience is that Julian and I are genuinely struggling to make ends meet. The realisation that missing even a single day’s income can have severe repercussions is sobering enough. Losing multiple days of income is catastrophic.

At the moment, there is enough food for only a few more days. Everything is running out. Our gas supply is almost exhausted, and the electricity seems to disappear as quickly as we can afford to purchase it. Constantly juggling priorities and trying to decide which bills must be paid first is enough to drive a man balmy.

Even memories have become painful. Thinking back on the sights and sounds of the neighbourhood in which we live is increasingly difficult. In just the past few weeks, I have personally witnessed white South Africans rummaging through refuse bags in search of food. Recalling conversations with people I meet in the shops or pass on the streets is no more encouraging.

I remember speaking with a coloured gentleman who lives in a block of flats not far from our property. He reminisced about how excited he and his wife had been when they first moved there several years ago. He spoke fondly of how clean and pristine the suburb of Forest Hill had been less than a decade ago.

Then he pointed toward a pile of refuse bags that had been torn apart and strewn across the sidewalk.

“Look what it has turned into now,” he said, the pain and regret evident in his voice.

He then added, “We’re even considering moving to a place like Klerksdorp.”

Indeed, it is difficult to comprehend the level of degradation that has befallen the residents of Forest Hill. Yet, from what I have observed while driving throughout Johannesburg, this decline extends far beyond a single suburb. It appears to affect much of the greater Johannesburg area.

There can be little doubt that those entrusted with governing Johannesburg have failed in their responsibility to provide essential services. The consequences of that failure are visible in the deteriorating infrastructure, the mounting refuse, and, most tragically, in the growing hardship faced by ordinary people simply trying to survive.

Father, You know our situation better than we do. You see every struggle, every unpaid bill, every concern, every empty cupboard, and every anxious thought. You know the burdens that Julian and I carry, and You know how desperately we need Your intervention.

Lord, I ask not only for provision, but for mercy. Open doors that no man can shut. Make a way where there seems to be no way. Grant us wisdom to navigate these difficult days, strength to endure them, and faith to trust You even when circumstances appear overwhelming.

You know, Lord. You know.

Amen.