When I look at the evening news, I can feel the enemy’s temptation to despair. So much of what I see happening in the world is unprecedented. It is a new day and the weather outlook seems to be violent storms on every horizon.
Israel was reborn as a nation — reestablished as a Jewish state — just a few years before I was born. Now, after more than 60 years of unequivocal support for Israel, our most senior leaders in the Executive Branch are appeasing our enemies and spurning Israel to the point of threatening the withdrawal of our nation’s financial, military and political support of this key ally.
Like I said… unprecedented.
“Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3)
Yet it is in this very climate of potential despair that I discover You are moving in radically redeeming ways! I just read an article written three days ago about the “rising tide” of Muslim converts to Christianity… at the magnitude of two to seven million in the last 20 years! Many of these conversions have been facilitated by the growing testimony of angelic visitations, visions of You, Lord, and answered prayers. Conversions of people in senior leadership positions, both inside and outside the Islamic faith. Conversions the individuals affected know are a death sentence for them, should they be discovered.
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:20-21)
This morning, I read two news articles about the growing danger for Israel. And immediately, You took me to a particular place in Your Word — a place that reassured me deeply:
“But now listen, Jacob, My servant, Israel, whom I have chosen. This is what the Lord says, He who made you, who formed you in the womb, who will help you… Do not tremble, do not be afraid. You are My witnesses. Is there any God besides Me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one… Israel, I will not forget you… Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” (Isaiah 44:1-2,8,21,22b)
Yes, Lord… these are, in many ways, fearful times. But are they not also the most thrilling times in all of history??? The days leading up to Your return, Lord, when You will make all things right??? The days of the greatest harvest ever, in which more people than ever before will open their hearts to You as Savior and Lord???
Thank You, Lord, for the privilege of being alive today… for such a time as this! Help us fully embrace this privilege, making the most of every opportunity as long as we have the Breath of Life!
Abba’s Girl