Encouragement!

Dear Faithful Friend,

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Messiah’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Messiah’s sake, I delight in weaknesses in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9,10) “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.” (Isaiah 54:2)

In light of this encouragement from the Lord, I have finalized plans to travel to Florida and Chesapeake, VA; the last two places Eddie and I visited in the spring of 2018 in what turned out to be our final trip together. I am eager to give my dear friends and partners an update of all that has been going on.

For me personally, even thinking about this journey has been a bit overwhelming. I did realize through this process of planning the trip that I am fairly hard on myself for all the “weakness” I feel because it seems to hold me back. Yet Paul writes that we are to “delight” in our weaknesses – even to boast about them! What a change! I am called to delight in my weaknesses so God’s power can rest on me! And God’s power is exactly what I want! What a reversal from the world – not only is it ok to feel weak but He chooses the weak to shame the wise!

As I internalized this wonderful word and was strengthened by it, He gave me the next scripture confirming what I was sensing. This trip is not just for the purpose of going to the former places but to encourage me to go forth and to cross over the old boundaries that I have established in my life. I must “enlarge the place of my tent” and not hold back! And in his surpassing wisdom, all that he is calling me to do, I can only accomplish as I delight in my weaknesses! Amazing! God’s wisdom is truly beyond tracing out!

I appreciate all your prayers as I fly to Orlando on Sunday night, February 23rd. Please pray for smooth travel, divine appointments, health and strength and joy in my heart. Pray against all fear as I find myself in new places in the spirit as well as in the natural. I return to Israel on March 15th.

Please pray for me also as my life is a continual witness to my two non believing friends on the moshav with whom I spend considerable time. I feel the weight and responsibility of these relationships as I so want them to see God’s great love each and every minute that I am with them. I do believe our friendship was orchestrated by God. Please believe with me for their salvation.

Yesterday, as I was on my daily walk, I passed another neighbor who stopped me and suggested we have a cup of coffee together and visit. I happily agreed though I was really quite surprised as Eddie and I only had minimal contact with this neighbor over the years. She of course knows what we believe as we shared with her when we first met her. Please pray for this new relationship that it would also grow and I would be able to continue to sow seeds for salvation.

God seems to be using my “widowhood” to enlarge the place of my tent right where I live!

The Peace Plan

Dominating the news is the “Peace Plan”, what it means for Israel and the Palestinians and how it affects the upcoming elections, which are scheduled for March 2nd. To review the plan, the major elements are that Israel keeps Jerusalem as its undivided capital, no right of return for Palestinians, redraws borders between Israel and West Bank and the new state of Palestine would have to be demilitarized.

(For an in depth analysis: click here.)

This plan is being hailed as “historic” as there has never been any plan that has ever declared Jerusalem to be Israel’s sovereign undivided capital. It has also given Israel a green light to annex the settlements, which have always been described in the past as the greatest “obstacle” to peace. There are many additional aspects to the plan that deal with some very long standing conflictual and difficult issues in new ways.

The Palestinians have angrily rejected the Plan outright and there have been many demonstrations, missile and terror attacks. Although most Israeli leaders favor the plan, there are aspects with which each particular leader disagrees. Accusations are being leveled against PM Netanyahu that the timing of the release of the Plan was a political move agreed upon between him and President Trump, in order to improve his pre-election standing as he battles the indictment against him. Gantz, his major opponent, continues to stand fast in his refusal to join Netanyahu in any government as long as criminal charges remain.

Please continue to pray for these elections on March 2nd. The politics surrounding this election are complicated and the waters incredibly murky. Please pray that there would not be another deadlock and one candidate would clearly win and be able to form a government. It is such a vulnerable and volatile time and the next government will be instrumental in helping to determine the outcome of the Peace Plan. May God’s wisdom prevail! This is truly a time like none other!

Rain

In the natural, this has also been an historic winter. The rain and cold weather have continued almost without break. The Sea of Galilee is approaching full and there is talk that if the level continues to rise, the dam may be opened. Closed since 1992, opening the dam would send water into the Jordan which would then end up in the Dead Sea, which has been in the process of drying up and is in critical need of the additional fresh water. Pray that Israelis would see the merciful hand of God as he has answered the prayers for rain.

There is no doubt that things are changing in the spirit in every area! As we walk through the great challenges facing us on every side, there are also great blessings that are lighting our way. Be encouraged! God is moving and speaking! In spite of all the difficulties, there is an excitement in the air.

“But as it is written, no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined the things God has prepared for those who love him” (I Corinthians 2:9)

To Him be the Glory, now and forever.

With love from Zion,