Life - A journey..Walk through the door and open the gift!

by Wendy
(Colorado USA)

I just returned from a trip to Israel. It was amazing how God opened a door for me to return. For He knew in my heart how much I desired to return.

I remember back to the first time I traveled to Israel in 2000. My husband was alive and well. This time on my return, my husband was now sitting in the very presence of our Messiah. This time the journey back to the Land would be along side my sister, who had never been. I prayed God would open her heart to receive.

My heart was excited about what was going to happen on our journey. God made a way for us to go, so I knew there must be a reason why. This wasn't going to be a "searching for souvenirs" trip, but was going to be a trip of sharing God, the history of the land and its people with my sister.

It was a beautiful day as my sister and I made our way up Highway 1 from Ben Gurion airport to Jerusalem. When you hear the words "Going up to Jerusalem" they are true. Jerusalem is located in the hills. All the cities are built on levels and the buildings are made of concrete and Jerusalem stone. As we drove, I thanked God for allowing me to return and asked what I needed to share with my sister. Israel is a place that feels like homw when I am there. I said to my self, "I am home."

As we walked around Jerusalem, I spoke of Jesus Christ and His great wonders. The scriprures came alive in every place that we visited. One thing about being in the Land is that God allows things to be revealed when you are there; things in your life which are good and things in your life that may not be so good. So be prepared. I can say that when you go to Israel, your life is never the same.

My sister and I walked through the streets of the Old City. There was such energy inside the walls. God gave me so much to share with my sister. We went to the Western Wall. The Wall is a place of prayer and reverence. I stood back and let my sister take it all in. So many people of all kinds of faiths sending up prayers to the King. As we walked up to the Wall, I spoke quietly to my sister about all the prayers she would see that have written on small pieces of paper and placed in the cracks. These prayers were from people all over the world. We have such a great God that knows how to answer each one of them. My sister and I went up to the Wall in silent prayer.

As the week went on, we stopped at the Sea of Galilee, the very place that the Lord walked on water. The water was beautiful and calm. Matthew 14:22-33 came up in our conversation while there. How Jesus asked Peter to step out of the boat. The words "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" came to my mind. I know that sometimes in my life my faith falters. God knows and He calms the seas in my life when I finally step out of the boat.

One of the last stops we made was visiting Yad Vashem, the holocaust museum. I told my sister that is was a must before we left. Yad Vasehm brings the history of the Jewish people to life. The pictures and stories of the Jewish people will touch the depths of your heart. I think about if it was me, what would I have done? I don't know. Would I have had the strength to go on, or just give up? So many lives were lost and changed; men women and children. If you go to Israel, promise me that you will visit Yad Vashem you will see the Jewish people and the holocaust with a different heart.

As our journey together was coming to a close, we couldn't stop talking about all that we experienced. God moved in many different ways in both of our lives. He used us to touch each other as well as some of the Israeli people.

My sister is a special gift in my life. To share this journey with her was like opening a present that was wrapped in beautiful paper with a shiny bow. Not knowing what was inside, but expecting somthing great. I can tell you, this gift was great because God was the one who gave it to us.

Have you gone on a journey lately? Who would you like to take along? It doesn't have to be far away. Your journey can be right in your own back yard. Ask God where you need to go and who needs to be along your side.

Life is a gift and within that gift are many journeys that you will take before you take your last breath. It is your turn to take a journey and share the love of Christ no matter where the journey takes you. Be Blessed and know that God walks with you on every journey.