What do you do when you pour years of your life into something meaningful, only to watch it fall short of what you believed it would become?
That question sits at the heart of this conversation on The 2,000 Cubit Rule with engineer and author Gerhard Swart, whose journey through innovation, disappointment, and faith offers a powerful lens for every entrepreneur, leader, and builder.
Get the Book >>> Hope Arising: The Story of South Africa’s JOULE Electric Vehicle, And Why it Still Matters
This is not just a story about a car. It is a story about calling.
A Vision Ahead of Its Time
Long before electric vehicles became mainstream, Gerhard and his team were working on something bold. The JOULE, South Africa’s first locally developed electric vehicle, was more than a prototype. It was a vision to spark an entirely new industry.
The goal was not simply to build a car. It was to:
- Create jobs in a struggling economy
- Establish local innovation and manufacturing
- Position South Africa as a global player in emerging technology
At a time when much of the automotive world dismissed electric vehicles, this team saw what was coming.
They built prototypes.
They showcased the vehicle internationally.
They gained attention and momentum.
From the outside, it looked like the beginning of something massive.
When Momentum Meets Resistance
But vision alone is not enough.
As the project progressed, challenges began to surface. Funding complexities, shifting political environments, and internal resistance created barriers that could not be overcome.
Despite strong engineering, global interest, and a clear roadmap forward, the project ultimately came to a halt.
For many, this would simply be labeled a failure.
But Gerhard tells a different story.
The Hidden Work of God in the Process
One of the most powerful parts of this journey is not what was built, but what was formed.
In the middle of disappointment, Gerhard faced something deeper than business challenges. He faced questions of identity, purpose, and trust in God.
There were moments of:
- Frustration when leadership decisions did not align
- Personal accusations that tested integrity
- Situations that required deep forgiveness
Instead of allowing bitterness to take root, he leaned into his relationship with God.
Through Scripture, prayer, and obedience, he found something unexpected.
Peace.
This is where the title of his book comes from: Hope Arising.
Not hope based on outcomes, but hope rooted in God’s purposes.
Success Redefined
In a world that measures success by visible results, this story invites us to look deeper.
Hebrews 11 speaks of men and women of faith who pursued what God called them to do, even when they did not see the full promise fulfilled in their lifetime.
That perspective changes everything.
The JOULE project may not have reached mass production, but:
- It proved what was possible
- It inspired engineers and innovators
- It laid groundwork for future opportunities
- It revealed God’s faithfulness in the process
Sometimes the assignment is not about finishing the story. It is about starting something others will carry forward.
A Message for Builders and Leaders
If you are building something, whether in business, ministry, or leadership, this story matters.
You will face moments where:
- The vision feels bigger than the resources
- The path forward becomes unclear
- The outcome does not match your expectations
In those moments, the question is not just, “Will this work?”
The deeper question is, “Will I remain faithful?”
Gerhard’s journey reminds us that:
- God’s calling is not limited by outcomes
- Obedience is greater than visible success
- What God forms in you is as important as what He builds through you
Hope for the Next Generation
Today, Gerhard continues to invest in others, especially engineers and innovators who may feel discouraged or overlooked.
Through his book and ongoing conversations, he is helping reignite vision in a new generation, particularly in South Africa, where the potential for innovation is still strong.
The message is simple but powerful:
Do not let your environment define your ceiling.
Do not let past disappointment silence your calling.
Do not stop building what God has placed in your heart.
Final Thoughts
Hope is not naive optimism. It is a confident expectation that God is still at work, even when the outcome looks different than planned.
The story of the JOULE electric vehicle reminds us that sometimes what looks like an ending is actually a seed.
And seeds, when placed in God’s hands, always have the potential to grow.
If you have ever stepped out in faith, taken a risk, or pursued something bigger than yourself, this story is for you.
Because hope is still arising.
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