“Have you seen this?” Larry held out his phone displaying a news flash announcing that Israel had been attacked. I stared at the screen, rereading the words, not wanting to believe what I saw. Swallowing hard, I whispered, “Deb and her husband are leading a team there now.”
I’d prayed with my friend two days before she flew to Israel. She’d expressed concerns about going.
I texted Deb, “Are you ok?”
“Yes. Spent much of the day in the basement farm shelter…”
News reports, describing children hiding under their beds and seeing their parents lying in a pool of blood, crushed me. I asked my Bible studies to join me in prayer for Israel and for my friend’s safe return.
By God’s grace, Deb and her husband made it out Sunday morning as the sun rose over the horizon. Yet two thirds of their team remain, struggling to get out as I write this.
We know God is on the throne. Sometimes, as with Pharaoh, He allows evil to manifest in order to display His glory and show his people and the world that He is God (Exodus 14:4; 31).
For the Scriptures say that God told Pharaoh, “I have appointed you for the very purpose of displaying my power in you and to spread my fame throughout the earth” (Romans 9:17 NLT).
Please Pray for Israel and All Who’ve Been Affected
- For solace and strength for those reeling with loss and those who’ve been kidnapped.
- For many in Israel, the Middle East, and the world to turn to Christ. (Remember Rahab)
- For wisdom for Israel’s and other nations’ leaders to know how to respond.
- For God to protect His people and show Himself strong on their behalf.
- For peace.
Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel,
and cursed is everyone who curses you” (Numbers 24:9 NLT).
Below are some resources that provide further insight for those interested in learning more about this.
Resources:
- Tipping Point with Jimmy Evans on Israel at War and Prophecy and Standing with Israel
- Joel C. Rosenberg at All Israel News: Catastrophe: Israeli death toll now 800 — to understand the emotional impact…
- Little Strength, Big God is an interactive Bible study guide. Let the men and women in Hebrews 11 inspire and lead you to a strength greater than your own. Learn more at BigGod.us.
Blessings,
Photo by Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash
Sometimes I link with these great sites:
#InspireMeMonday, #InstaEncouraements, #TellHisStory, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #Grace&Truth
Praying too!
Wonderful!
Praying with you, Debbie!
Thank you, Donna!
Joining you in prayer my friend. Is this a remedial judgment on the people of Israel? I can’t know. What I know is that seeing women, children, and families caught up in this horrific conflict (on both sides) is heartbreaking. I think we all knew this was coming, as it has been prophesied, but no one wanted to see it happen. Praying for the peace of Jerusalem my friend. It can only be achieved by the Prince of Peace though, and we’ll be accompanying Him. Praise God, that Day is coming.
JD, as I read the Old and New Testaments, we see human nature has not changed. Sadly, it seems people rarely turn to God during prosperity. I pray God uses this to wake up the whole world. If the New Testament was written in the last days, we must be in the final months!
God bless Israel and bring peace to Jerusalem and protection to the people. Thanks, Debbie. God bless!
Amen! God bless you, too, Nancy!
Debbie, thank you for this post. I was shocked by the news and horrified that my internet carrier (that shares daily news headlines) didn’t even share hints of the events happening in Israel for at least the first day. I appreciate your perspective, your prayer points, and the links that you shared to gain understanding.
I’m so thankful we know Who wins in the end. But in the interim, I pray.
Jeanne, I felt the same. I had to really dig to find news updates. Completely opposite response to how news covered the attack on Ukraine. Yes, we know this didn’t slip past God. But it is terribly sad, and God wouldn’t ask us to pray if He didn’t plan to listen. Thanks for adding your thoughts.
Praying. What more is there to say.
I know. Thanks, Ann.
I was shocked and immensely saddened as well. It’s hard to fathom such intense hatred that people would do such things to fellow human beings, even if they are enemies. I join you in praying for grace and help for the people affected and for God to use this to open eyes to the need of Him. I pray as well that this doesn’t escalate.
Yes, me too, Barbara. I naively thought the church would be raptured before so much we’ve seen lately happened. We are here for a purpose.
This is nothing but evil as the devil hates Israel because it is God’s country and where Jesus was sent so He could save the world. Prayers for Israel and all those there continue.
Amen! Thank you, Barbara.
Every time I see the war mentioned or if I wake during the night, I pray for Israel. It is heartbreaking. We were there in February and can’t imagine what groups like ours are now enduring. May God protect His people. Thanks Debbie
Yvonne, I know that burden comes from the Holy Spirit. I’m so glad you got to go before all of this. Thank you for your prayers for Israel.
I join you in prayer, Debbie. Thank you for your prayers and concerns for this tragic situation. Hear us, oh God, we pray for Israel and all those taken captive. May you bring freedom for the prisoners and peace to the region.
Amen! I agree, Lord. Have mercy and bring peace.
May we keep praying for Israel and for God’s people.
Yes. They are surrounded by enemies.