He Speaks Peace!

God loves us so intimately He knows just how to speak to us. The blog below was written by Maribeth Stech, sister of Mike Verkaik, who I asked to share how her Father God ‘s voice is bringing her through a difficult season right now.

Two years ago with the Covid running rampant my work gave us the opportunity to take a couple days to have a spiritual retreat. When thinking about where and how I wanted to have/do my retreat I thought of South Africa. Why South Africa? Because my husband had been there a few times with my brother to  Oceans Retreat Center and it was a place I wanted to go after he came back and talked about his time there. So we decided to add time on to the retreat and make it a vacation where we would be able to serve the ministry.

I then asked Pastor Tim if he would be willing to be a part of my retreat, and he was more than willing. Without knowing that one of my favorite verses is Psalm 46:10 he based the first day of my retreat on this Psalm 46:10 which says:

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Tim and I met for awhile and then he encouraged me to spend some time alone. So I walked by the ocean and found a bench to sit on to watch and listen to the waves. I spent time listening to God and what He had to say to me through journaling. When I was walking back to the retreat center I found a bench with a dedication plaque. At the bottom of the dedication was written “Be Still and Know” I feel and know this was God speaking to me telling me to be still, listen to His voice and know, feel His presence.

Now it’s two years later and a lot has happened. I was just recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The cancer has metastasized to my bones and I have had to have a complete hip replacement.

A few weeks ago my brother Mike asked me if I could go back to any place I had been before where would I go, and without hesitation I said I would like to go back to South Africa. Thanks to some unanimous donors I am able to write this blog from South Africa.

God has been using my time here to be prayed over in multiple languages. On Monday night we went to a Fullies church prayer meeting and I was prayed over in a couple languages. Wednesday evening Pastor Raymond and his wife Pamela prayed over me and sang a beautiful song about God’s peace as we got ready to serve dinner at Jim Se Bos township. And Sunday at the church in Masi township I was also prayed over. What a blessing to be prayed over in so many languages, even though I didn’t understand it all I was filled with heavens peace as prayers ascended on my behalf.

Since being here I have been able to find my bench again. God has blessed my time here and has given me a time to relax in Him and find His peace in the midst of this present storm. To be Still and to Know His presence is the greatest blessing of all.

4 replies
  1. Ron
    Ron says:

    So Thankful that you were able to meet and commune with God in your special place. So Thankful that you and Jim could share this time away and alone. So Thankful that in your special place God’s people surrounded, embraced and enfolded you into themselves. Praise The Lord !

    Reply
  2. Sherri Thenn
    Sherri Thenn says:

    Beautiful testimony of Gods presence in the storm. All glory to Him who reigns and rules over all things! My prayers continue to ascend for Gods peace, comfort, and healing.

    Reply
  3. Diane Nichols
    Diane Nichols says:

    Oh my dear friend Marybeth, I’m so glad you got to go on this trip. Good memories for you & Jim and all the people that prayed for you in their own language. Our God is good, I’m glad you had alone time to listen to God. Your writing bless me today. Hugs

    Reply
  4. Steve Nichols
    Steve Nichols says:

    In the midst of recent events, the fact you found peace is such a great gift. We all know the verse about being still but not many of us can say we are at peace in a truly challenging time. Thank you for sharing this blog.

    Reply

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