Written by: Errol Naidoo
Article source: familypolicyinstitute.com
September 1st is traditionally regarded as the first day of Spring. It heralds a season of renewal and growth – proclaimed by longer days of warmer sunshine and the blooming of plantlife. It also signals the end of the stagnation of winter, a time of freezing temperatures, bareness and sometimes, discontent.
Autumn and winter 2020 was accompanied by several pandemics. First, the Covid-19 pandemic swept into South Africa in March. Then the corruption pandemic engulfed the nation followed by a pandemic of crime and violence perpetrated particularly against vulnerable women and children. Violent attacks against food-producing farmers also increased this past six months.
However, I have a very real sense South Africa is beginning to turn the corner. Look carefully and you will notice the budding of new green shoots. Covid-19 infections and related deaths have declined significantly. Most people are back at work and life has mostly returned to normal. Recoveries are steadily ticking upwards and currently stands at 86 percent, way above the global average.
The countrywide outrage against Covid-19 corruption scandals appears to have provoked President Ramaphosa’s letter to the ANC, declaring his party, “Accused number one in cases of state corruption. The special ANC NEC meeting convened this past weekend to discuss his letter and its resolutions insisting that those implicated in corruption must immediately step down.
The factional war in the ruling party is reaching fever pitch. A key indicator of the ANC’s woes is the scathing letter recently sent to Ramaphosa by former president and corrupter-in-chief, Jacob Zuma. The lines are drawn and something has to give. Ramaphosa was asked in Parliament to make a choice between the ANC and the people of SA. He chose the people.
In addition, this past week saw the “Direct Election Bill” tabled in Parliament that will fundamentally transform South Africa’s political system. A new political party was launched and several grassroots movements have begun laying the groundwork to maximise the opportunities envisaged by the new Electoral Act – a game changer for the 2024 General Elections.
Encouraging signs are emerging that South Africa’s economy will recover more robustly than previously anticipated. The potential exists but wise and consistent fiscal policies coupled with decisive action against corruption and the eradication of fruitless expenditure will guarantee this recovery.
Significantly, however, the Holy Spirit reminded me during my prayer time that your and my trust is not in government, political parties or economic strategies – our trust is in the Lord. Believers in Jesus Christ will witness South Africa’s renewal and restoration by firstly believing God’s promises, confessing it and obeying God’s Word in repentance and prayer.
In other words, it’s not up to the ANC or the economists. South Africa’s revival will be realised by the prayer of the saints. Our country’s destiny depends on our faith in God and the outworking of this faith.
God will heal our land because that’s what He promised. “If My people, who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14.
I am encouraged by the prophetic call urging nations to “Return to God.” More than 70 nations have answered this call including South Africa. A group of Pastors have combined efforts nationally to organise “The Return SA” repentance and prayer initiative scheduled for 26 September 2020. The timing of this prayer initiative is perfect because it coincides with SA’s renewal.
The aim of “The Return SA” (No Agenda But Revival) prayer initiative is to encourage individuals and families to gather together on 26 September to worship, repent and pray in unity with other families and groups across the country. Families, individuals and groups can connect with “The Return SA” online via YouTube, Facebook, Zoom, Instagram etc.
The Lord reminded me of Nehemiah’s anguish in response to the destruction of the walls of Jerusalem. Millions of citizens are weeping because of the state of South Africa. But Nehemiah’s anguish inspired him to action – specifically, to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem to secure the nation.
Christians must also be spurred to action in response to the chaos in SA. You and I must act to restore our nation by rebuilding the spiritual walls of South Africa. Nehemiah inspired the Israelites to “Fight for your families!” They rebuilt those parts of the wall close to home, defending their families – a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other – engaged in renewal but ready for battle.
The prophetic call has sounded. Families – the foundation and strength of society – must join hearts in faith on 26 Sept (and thereafter) to worship the Lord, repent on behalf of the nation, pray earnestly, and seek God’s Face.
Jesus said, “Only believe and you will see.” We must believe God’s promises, we must confess it, we must pray in unity and we must fight for our families. Revival, Renewal & Restoration is possible. Stand, Pray, Act.
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Date published: 01/09/2020
Feature image: pixabay.com
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Thank you for this edition and all the messages that bring hope in your readers’ hearts.
I an still stuck in the USA, since February, and am observing anarchy from socialists that don’t want rules, attack Gods Word and His people – like I have not seen for 25 years while travelling from South Africa to the US to visit children.
We are grateful here for this president – Trump and his supportive cabinet. But the prayer groups are pulling them through – together with their Spirit to obey the One and Only God of Israel.
Let us do this for South Africa, our precious country, as well! Pray and stand on Gods Word.