Sea of Galilee–Day 3

Good Morning from the Sea of Galilee!
Yes, it is about day 3 and I already want to encourage anyone to come to Israel. You will NEVER read God’s word the same again…N.E.V.E.R… The imagery in your mind totally changes–think color and high definition. Plus, I can’t help but testify to the fact that the Holy Spirit will “shake” you:)))) I am not that concerned with perfection this week on the posts…jet lag and holy shaking getting in the way. I just mainly want to get the word out. Trying to stay on our rigorous schedule…so asking forgiveness in advance:)
If you are following our travels and my personal experience, I am continuing to learn from the people I am with, mostly strangers before 3 days ago. At the end of the day and on bus rides I get to do one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE THINGS…ask people their back story…and how they met Jesus. Last night I was able to chat with a couple named Pali and Laura, two doctors from Charleston. They are both in their second marriage to each other. Both of their stories are amazing.
Today I want to share a part of Laura’s back story. She is from New York and is now a doctor at MUSC in Charleston, SC, far from home. This is an important part of her back story. At the time of her residency at MUSC she had a 3 year old and had just given birth to their second child. While in the hospital after the birth her husband went home and died suddenly in his sleep. Can you just imagine??? Let that sink in….
Extreme joy one day and the sudden tragedy the next day.
This is just a part of her story. She told of God’s provision. Someone offered to help keep her children (3 year old and new born with a crazy residency schedule). Life had to go on. She was now the sole provider for her children. How she managed life as a grieving widow was so compelling. I had a hard time going to sleep last night. I hope to write the full story in the weeks to come.
When she was sharing I wasn’t able to write down all the details but two times yesterday, God spoke to me personally…with Davey’s story of the sudden murder of his wife and then Laura’s sudden loss of her husband. God DOES PROVIDE in our LIFE STORMS, not just when He walked on earth, but NOW. “He is the same yesterday, today and forever.”
It has been amazing that one of the themes of study since we have gotten to Israel is God’s Provision…
as we have studied it in God’s word long ago…
as Jesus healed…
as He calmed the storm while the apostles were in the boat…
as He told the disciples where to cast their nets when they had been fishing all night with no catch…
and as He fed the 5000……
I have been able to combine God’s word with current, REAL TIME life stories of God’s provision, comfort and constant eye on people.
It has compelled me to formulate an “Ignition” statement for my everyday life to keep me “shaking”: “God demands it. Every life matters to God and it should to me, and Heaven is real.”
This simple statement is going to keep the fire burning in me to live my mission statement which is “To encourage others to lead a life of significance.” Why? Because life storms are going to come and we are to continue in the race even when “running injured!” (that is borrowed from Davey’s words to me yesterday.)
My question and encouragement for you today is this…What is your mission statement for life? Viktor Frankl would put it like this, “When you know your why you can endure any how!”
Do you know your “Why?” Everyone has a significance in this world and things to complete. Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” The starting point is with a relationship with my/your/our Creator, Jesus. From there HE will show you your purpose and give you a STRONG WHY!
Jeremiah 29:11-13, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not evil, to you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, WHEN YOU SEEK ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART.” SEEK Him today!:)))))) Stay tuned….

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