When Life Starts Upside Down...: a Story of Suffering, Perseverance and Hope First edition

In this book I would like to share with you my journey so far, a journey of suffering, perseverance and hope. A book of real life experiences backed up by biblical truths that pulled me through the difficult times. This is me sharing with you that there is a living God, a God of love, a God of hope and a God that provides for us - in His time. Why share such personal experiences? I wish to inspire you, give you hope, hope that will not disappoint you. No, this is not about someone?s dirty laundry or sad story. This is an account of God?s grace and mercy when my dirty laundry was taken, washed and cleaned, with the blood of Jesus. If there is one verse in the Bible that summarises my journey with God, it is Romans 5 verses 3 to 5 (NIV), ?We must rejoice in our suffering, because suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope, hope that does not disappoint. Hope is given to us by God through the Holy Spirit?. The first few chapters will take you through my childhood, from the joyous days as a young boy to those painful days. The next few chapters tell you more about my turbulent teenage days, the rebellious and confused me. Then the character building days continued. Finally, the silver lining; how a praying mother persevered in her faith, which fuelled my faith, and brought about an abundance of hope and joy. I have also included four spiritual events in my life: my salvation at the age of seventeen; a near death experience; a divine promise given to me; and my marriage to my wife, Maryke.