A People Rising Like a Lioness! Israel Preemptively Attacks Iran...

Behold, a people rises like a lioness, And lifts itself up like a lion; It shall not lie down until it devours the prey, And drinks the blood of those slain. Numbers 23:24

Is this what a war reporter feels like? The need to get the news out to the audience when booms and explosions are being heard all around? While it is not quite so dramatic at the moment, it certainly was last night and into the early hours of the morning. I woke up to my building shaking and ran outside to see dozens of interceptions all across the early morning sky. I wish I could write something profound, deeply impactful or even witty to defuse some of the tension I feel, but I am coming up a bit empty. I will simply write what I see & feel and let you discern the needs and lift us up in prayer.

I've always had a strong desire to be in Israel during a war, especially "The War." I can't explain this feeling logically. It's a compelling urge to be at the heart of the land G-d has claimed as His own. There's a strong pull to stand with the Jewish People amidst significant challenges and rising physical and spiritual tensions. Many of us who are drawn here feel and understand this as an undeniable truth, though others might articulate it better than I can. I anticipated this war, just not the timing. I'm deeply grateful I did not leave for Italy as I had planned a week-long course. Had I left, I would have ended up stranded there while Israel faced its most intense battles in decades.

That being said, the reality of being in a country at war, as a civilian, is not so dramatic. In the midst of an apartment move (I will literally be without a home on Monday), and roommates gone, I alternately doze on my cot on the floor (since everything is packed up), wake up, check the news, check on friends and family and of course quickly walk to the bomb shelter and chat with my neighbors when the missile alerts go off. This morning I took the risk of a short run and thankfully no alerts went off during my much needed vitamin D/destressing outing. Don't worry (mom), there were one or two others who had the same idea and took the risk. As I ran I listened to the song Rise Up (Bat Rivkah Whitten). It's a good song to sing and to pray.

"Rise up Rise up Oh G-d of the angel armies, come and confound the enemy.

Rise up Rise up my King and Deliverer.

Cuma (Awake) Adonai. Mighty in Battle LORD Mighty in War.

Rise up with Healing in your wings. To make a way where there is no way.

Rise up bring life into lifelessness.

Rise up my Hero and Defender. I cling to You who won't be shaken.

Rise up with Justice and Liberation,

Sound the shofar strong and loud, see the walls come crashing down.

Raise the war-cry make a stand, break the curse and take the land."

How do I feel? I feel a strong sense of deep satisfaction and resolve. Israel finally did what the entire world has been waiting for. This tiny country, with only 10 million people, took on Goliath.. in one of the most dramatic wars since... ever. We are truly watching Biblical prophecy and current events merge into one. Will this war turn into Ezekiel 38? We are already seeing Iran run to Russia. Will the Allotoyas be defeated once and for all and will Israel have a time of security on her borders? Many questions arise. And we are living in the times that the prophets spoke of.

How do I feel? Human. Out of sorts. My nerves are a bit on edge. I have to take a few deep breaths on occasion and remember to relax. I wait. I pray. I watch. I remember and remind myself of G-d's Word and his eternal promises to this nation:

Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:1

We know you continue to stand with us and to pray. Thank you for your faithfulness. Please pray for:

• Courage and wisdom for leadership, especially Netanyahu

• Courage, wisdom and great watchfulness for soldiers in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, inside of Israel (Samaria and Judea), for the Air Force and others now in Iran

• G-d's great hand of protection on His people

• His people would know the victory is from the LORD and no other.

• That G-d would supernaturally keep trauma from affecting the soldiers and families. He would bring healing

• That many Jewish people would seek G-d and find Him during this time.

  
  

As always if you would like to give please use the following:

Help Israel Now