Today is Sunday in Jerusalem. Our second Sunday in Jerusalem, but since most of the group was arriving a week ago, we weren’t able to attend a worship service together. Today we had plans.

When our driver didn’t arrive, I wondered, “What if he thinks we’re still at our first Jerusalem hotel?” I called him. Yes, he was sitting outside the hotel we were in a week ago. What to do? We could either have him drive the distance to pick us up and arrive about an hour late for church or we could let him go by himself to be sure his own weekly worship experience wasn’t disrupted. We chose the latter. We were disappointed but we didn’t want the evening to be about us.

Several of us met together for prayer and then each found a place to pray, study, and worship God. Through my disappointment, I trusted God to pour into each of us. After all, he already knew what we’d be doing tonight. He meets us just where we are. As I sat in a darkening corner of a terrace overlooking the lights of Bethlehem and Jerusalem, I was overwhelmed with the opportunities I’ve had to experience and to worship every day I’ve been in Israel.

• Interacting with and encouraging God’s people and basking in the richness of diversity. People are seeking, and God meets each one just where she is – including me.
• Digging into and experiencing God’s Word, watching it leap off the page and sink roots deeper into my heart.
• Walking and basking in God’s presence. Marvelling at who he is and his wisdom, love, and provision as my faith steeps in the faith of those who have lived before me.

As I was overwhelmed with all God is pouring into me, as I was rejoicing in who he is and grasping only a small glimpse of him, I heard steps and Tracie’s voice behind me as she placed her hands on my shoulders and asked if she could pray over me. As she prayed, tears streamed down my face.

…tears of joy that I’ve been blessed with Tracie’s friendship.

…tears of release as tiredness and concerns washed away.

…tears of appreciation for my God who cares so immensely for me – and you – that he would be involved in every aspect of my life. That he cares about every detail. That he knows my tears and my joys.

I’m still a bit disappointed this evening didn’t turn out the way I thought it would, but I’m rejoicing that it turned out the way God knew it would!

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

What is your hope? What don’t you see?

Have faith…Be sure.

Have faith…Be certain.

Have faith…and trust.