When taking on a new venture, I often feel giddy. Like a star athlete lining up with his teammates on the field, my palms get sweaty, my heart starts dancing, and I have a little “oomph” in my step. Things were no different when I learned God had blessed me to be able to fulfill a lifelong dream of traveling to Israel.
Some view the “sacred Holy Land” as a sightseeing tour. Those of us who have gone know that it is so much more than that. Israel: the birthplace of Christianity. A place so near and dear to our roots as Christian believers, we would be remiss to simply view it as a vacation. I have never been more peaceful than when I was riding a boat across the Sea of Galilee. Knowing that Jesus calmed the infamous turbulent storm there on behalf of his beloved disciples reminded me that he will calm every storm in my life as I trust in him. {quotes}I felt such sadness as I walked down the streets of Jerusalem, looking into the empty eyes of the modern Israelites, hearing Christ’s heart cry when he prayed, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.“(Matthew 23:37, NIV). {/quotes}
Indeed, Israel is a place brimming with the possibility of Christ’s name being proclaimed and the captives being set free. The land is absolutely beautiful with its rolling hills and ancient ruins. I’m sure we walked at least three miles each day. “Be sure to begin a walking regimen,” our missions director had advised. And boy, was that advice timely! Careful to keep this body in decent shape for the most part, I continued my usual gym classes and training but added more endurance-type exercises to the mix: walking on an incline using the treadmill, spinning at a lower intensity for longer periods of time, and stretching. An avid food connoisseur, I also began familiarizing myself with Middle Eastern fare; a little bit of hummus, olives, and lots of pita chips!
Being spiritually prepared was of utmost concern so I began soaking. For those who are unfamiliar with soaking, it is a quiet, meditative time of worship- no singing, no declaring, just allowing the Holy Spirit to sing over you while basking in His presence. Of course, I prayed. I elicited the prayers of my friends and Christian family. I researched all I could about Israel past and present. I knew God was taking me on this journey to not only experience with my eyes His love story for His people but to live it, if only for two weeks. Journeying to Israel has truly changed my life. I love Jesus more than ever and praise God every day for his great sacrifice and love for me.
