Written by: Siphelele Maphumulo
Article source: JOY! Magazine
This incident occurred three years before I was born again, but it teaches me something every time I think about it. It demonstrates that God speaks to and looks after the unsaved, drawing all to Him. He has a plan and a purpose for each and every life. In the Bible, He communicated with Cain, Pharaoh (through a dream), and Pilate’s wife (through a dream), among others.
Unexpected complications
At the beginning of 2005, when I was a student at the University of Johannesburg, I had to write a supplementary exam for a module I had unsuccessfully attempted a few months prior. The primary methods of communication with my lecturers were through the post office or telephone, both of which seemed to be ‘malfunctioning’ at the time. The exam was scheduled at the same location in Pietermaritzburg (Durban University of Technology).
Searching for clarity
I arrived at 8:00, although the exam was only scheduled for 9:00, to give myself time to familiarise myself with the centre. However, upon arrival, there were no signs indicating the exam venue. I asked staff and students, but no one could help. It was frustrating enough to write an exam, but even more so to write a supplementary one, and then add this kind of confusion to it. This was also before cell phones were around. I felt lost and hopeless.
A providential phone booth
Then, miraculously, I found a telephone booth in the middle of nowhere. It operated with a phone card (not coins) – thank God, I happened to have one on me. I phoned the Johannesburg office (which they usually never answered), but that day I found someone who told me that I was writing at a different location, UNISA, in 30 minutes’ time.
A race against time
I rushed, I stressed, and because there was little public transport available, I only arrived at the correct venue an hour later. The invigilator was understanding and promised to give me extra time. Praise the Lord, I finished before the set time and didn’t need the extension. I was successful with my exam and earned my diploma. A week after writing the exam, I received the letter in the post informing me of the venue change…
A clear act of God
It’s clear to me that this was not a combination of random coincidences, but the hand of God. While I was not a believer at the time, the Lord protected me and led my footsteps. 20 years later, as I look back, I am glad to declare, “Thank you, Lord, for I know it was You who intervened in the situation.”
This article is featured in the May issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 16/05/2025
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only.
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