Day 190 God Winks

 

7/9/2025

 "You are my hiding place;
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance." Selah

 Psalm 32:7

 

Last night while on the prayer call, anxiously awaiting my turn, a sudden storm came up, lightning and thunder and torrential rains beating down on my window sill. I had to shut off my video twice, excusing myself from the meeting, to clean up the rain that poured into my open windows. Finally, the storm became so intense that I had to slip silently out of the meeting altogether. I started to send a quick email of apology, but I had to get off and shut down my computer because of the intensity of the advancing storm. I felt so flustered, because for once in a great while, I had confidence that I had a word from the Lord to share with the people present. This is not always the case, as I feel intimidated by the ladies in the group, because they obviously more seasoned warriors than I appear to be, because they are activist-minded than I, actually going onsite to pray. I'm still wondering how I was so blessed to receive an invitation to this small group of ladies, but I am grateful. God seems to be opening many doors, but that's what happens when we say "Yes, Lord!"

This morning the ICEJ meeting began with an overview of the meetings between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, noting the respect shown to the Prime Minister by this President as compared to former ones. These are unprecedented times, and the allegiance between the two great leaders is unmistakable. With President Trump's policy of transparency for the press, in allowing them present at each briefing, and allowing them to stay longer when time allows, there was still time when the two allies met in secret. I believe that is always wise. Several times during the initial opening of our call, the presenter expressed surprise at the way God is working things out in His time. I think that's the point, isn't it? When we pray, according to His will, then it must be His time, as our time is irrelevant. He is the One who knows all things, all times, Creator of all things! It just seems that simple to me. in fact this is part of what I wanted to share. I've heard our President and certain staff members repeat the phrase "common sense" in response to how this administration will lead this country. The Bible speaks of common sense also. 

Last night I didn't get a chance to share my thoughts, so I'll include them now. First, however, the opening scripture for this morning's meeting was taken from Deuteronomy 32:35, but I want to begin with verse 34: "But Israel is my special people, sealed as jewels within my treasury. Vengeance is mine, and I decree the punishment of all her enemies; their doom is sealed." Verse 43 follows: "Praise His people, gentile nations, for He will avenge His people, taking vengeance on His enemies, purifying His land and His people."

This portion of scripture was highlighted as we consider the strategic tactics that have been used by Israel's military to defend themselves from the enemy's nefarious attacks over these 642 days. Iran is now in a position of no true power, other than proxies, and even some of those are tiring of the futile attempts to defeat God's people. Israel has weathered many storms, and still there is the question of the hostage release, the major point of it all. We must continue to feel confident in what we have prayed, based on Your word, O Lord, for this is why we pray. In Proverbs 25:2-3 Solomon shares: "It is God's privilege to conceal things, and the king's privilege to discover and invent. You cannot understand the height of heaven, the size of the earth, or all that goes on in the king's mind!" Other thoughts in Proverbs concerning God's hand on everything are as follows:

Proverbs 19:21 "Man proposes, but God disposes." The NIV puts it this way, "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." This reminds me of a scripture I shared a day or so ago about us getting all puffed up and sure of ourselves, doing things we think are best, but God steps in and smacks our hands, and says, "Tisk, tisk, little one. I think I know a little better way."

Proverbs 20:18 "Don't go ahead with your plans without the advice of others; don't go t war until they agree." Proverbs 11:14 also advises that "there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors." The history of God's people repeatedly demonstrates wisdom of seeking the counsel of God before all others. Verse 24 of Chapter 20 adds an important question: "Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way?" This is my main thought from the beginning. If we are seeking God, truly seeking Him, being directed by His word, standing firmly and in obedience, in right relationship, examining our hearts daily to ensure we are, praying His word back to Him by following the example of intercessors in the history of Israel, recounting His faithfulness to the generations, then why are we so surprised at what God is doing miraculously at this time? How He is using His people in Israel and in America to work on behalf of His chosen people. Where is our faith? 

If further evidence was needed, let me finish what He showed me: 

Proverbs 21:1 "Just as water is turned into irrigation ditches, so the Lord directs the king's thoughts. He turns them wherever he wants to."

Proverbs 21:7 "Because the wicked are unfair, their violence boomerangs and destroys them."

Proverbs 21:12 "God, the Righteous One, knows what is going on in the homes of the wicked, and will bring the wicked to judgment."

Proverbs 21:30-31 "No one, regardless of how shrewd or well-advised he is, can stand against the Lord. Go ahead and prepare for the conflict, but victory comes from God."

That's what I was going to share last night before the storm hit, more or less. Perhaps God allowed the storm to keep me humble. May He knew I'd feel insecure and chicken out, or maybe, just maybe it was only meant to be shared in this way. At any rate His word is always trustworthy and true, applicable to our lives at any time. We just need to remember from whence our help comes from!