Day 165 Sabbath Rest

 

6/14/2025 

 

It's now 1:53 am on Sunday morning as I gather my thoughts and write this blog. It's been a long, arduous Sabbath for me and most certainly for Israel, as the alarms continued throughout the day non-stop for hours, coming moment by moment as missiles soared into Israel. At one point, just for my sanity, I turned off the sound and simply watched the alerts pop up naming cities in peril, always preceded by a warning signal so all can reach the shelters in time. Most of Israel spent their Sabbath in bomb shelters, I pray, getting to know their Savior as LORD. My regular service from Kehilat HaCarmel in Haifa were cancelled, , although one of the pastors was at the embassy meeting, others in other parts of Israel were not. So far, everyone is safe, waiting, preparing, and continuing to pray.

So many thoughts run through my head, wondering how the hostages are taking all this noise. Those who still hold them captive are faithful to put fear and terror into their hearts, as we have learned from those already released. I am hopeful that those who still remain in captivity, who grew up in synagogue, learning Torah, will find hope and peace from Psalm 27, as did Sapir Cohen when she was still in Gaza. Since her release she has testified of quoting Psalm 27 daily during that time, and she found peace and strength, and God protected her from harm. Her boyfriend, Sasha Troufanov was released in the last cease fire, and he is now studying Torah. Only God knows, but our prayer is that they will soon be home, safe and well, with testimonies of God's presence.

I wonder how much the hostages know of the victories Israel has won recently, in silencing the enemy's capabilities by bombing their nuclear facilities. Such meticulous safeguards were taken to keep the threat of nuclear waste from escaping underground bunkers and populating the air and harming the people of Iran. The Israeli armies take such care and have consideration for people's safety and welfare, even enemies. We can learn a few kingdom rules from them. But all this work was not done in a day, rather the initial work in dismantling these nuclear sites and the eliminating key leaders had been done by the Mossad, Israel's secret army, who are tasked with foreign intelligence, covert operations, and counter-terrorism. Little is said about this army of heroes. They have been responsible for many of the miracles that have taken place, much to the surprise of others over the course of this war. I pray for their protection and safety and welfare, and I pray for their families. Because of the work they do, they are separated from their families who have no knowledge of their whereabouts most of the time. Such dedication to the service of their country is to be admired.

Some days I become so inundated with prayer requests from local churches, family needs, international ministries where precious saints in Nigeria, Mozambique, Pakistan, India, and other nations, too many to list, watch as their homes are destroyed, and family and friends are tortured and killed in front of them. Many are then attacked and left for dead, their babies discarded into the jungles, left to die or be eaten by wild animals. They lose everything to gain the pearl of great price. Jim Elliot, an American missionary who was martyred for Christ, put it this way: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors, whom I've mentioned before, assist these precious ones. I receive prayer updates, and I keep a bulletin board so I remember. Most of the time, the ones who survive are assisted in new opportunities to support themselves and what family remains, and they find family within the communities where they find safe havens.

Although it's difficult to keep up with all the needs that pour in, it is an honor to pray and provide support. It's times like this that I wish I had worked longer, so I could help more, but then I'm not dependent on man's support, only God's. After all, He's the one who has supported me and provided jobs and experience I would not have obtained had I had it my way. God surely takes what the devil means for bad, and He turns it for His good when we love Him and are called according to His purposes. So, until He calls me home, I will continue to be the best I can be and do the most with what He provides to help as many as I can. 

For today...tonight rather, I will continue to pray for and support my precious ones in Israel. The best thing anyone can do for Israel is to pray - for the government and leaders to have wisdom in making strategic decisions; for the soldiers to remain safe and alert to the enemy's booby traps and mines; for the soldier's family members and for their support while their loved ones are serving in the IDF; for the hostages to be found and brought home safely and for their families as they wait; and for victory and an end to these wars; and that the incoming missiles would be stopped, and no further harm would come to the people. 

"But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen,

the descendants of Abraham My friend. You whom I have

taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest

regions, and said to you, 'you are My servant, I have chosen

you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am with you; be

not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help

you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'"   

 Jeremiah 41:8-10