Thursday, 8th January, 2026
Bible Reading: Job 8:7, Philippians 1:6, 2 Corinthians 4:17
Memory Verse: …As for me, being on the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master’s brethren.” Genesis 24:27b (NKJV)
In November 2019, Hector Mkansi surprised his wife Nonhlanhla Soldaat with a new ring and a proposal inside their favourite restaurant, KFC in South Africa, hiding the ring inside her meal before going down on one knee. The moment was captured on video. A social media user mocked the setting, captioning it, “South African men are so broke, they even propose at KFC”.
This drew criticism, but ultimately it set the stage for a much more inspiring turn of events. The video went viral under the hashtag #KFCProposal, prompting KFC South Africa to track down the couple and offer support, including a wedding planner. Other generous offers followed from: Standard Bank, pledging to clear their personal loans up to R300,000 (~$20,000). Nedbank, offering to waive home-loan startup costs, offer a preferential mortgage rate, and add R20,000 extra.
Woolworths, giving R15,000 worth of groceries. Coca-Cola, sponsoring wedding drinks. Capfin, offering R50,000 toward the wedding. Other contributors: Audi, Lexus, Kulula.com, Mango Airlines, designers, musicians, spa providers, and more—helping with honeymoon, outfits, rings, flowers, and even a helicopter ride.
All these contributions culminated in the couple finally having their dream wedding on December 31, 2019, just in time for New Year’s Eve. In the words of the bridegroom, Hector, he shared, “We are still in disbelief. We couldn’t be more grateful. Our dream has come true”
Challenge: None of these pleasant divine surprises could ever have happened without the couple taking the first step of action in faith. They didn’t allow their financial incapacity to stop them from living their dream life. Many have allowed what they cannot do stop them from doing what they can do. Many things will not happen in your life until you take the first step of faith and you’re ready to persevere till your dreams come through.
Friends, in this New Year, start from where you are. Take that bold step and see the God of surprises come through for you. From our memory verse, until Eliezer, chief of Abraham’s servant went down to do the will of his Master, God did not lead him to Rebecca.
Be warned: Your New Year goals must be in line with your divine purpose. Don’t run with another man’s manuscript.
Quote: What the enemy planned for evil, God can turn it around for your good.
Prophetic Decree: This year 2026, your courage to pursue destiny shall meet divine surprises in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. Sing: I can see everything turning around for my good.
2. I receive courage to start my destiny dreams, in Jesus name.
3. The mockery of men shall turnaround for my good, in Jesus name.
4. My Father, in a sudden twist, you shall surprise me beyond my wildest imagination, in Jesus name.
5. I call forth my destiny helpers from the four corners of the earth, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 17-20
