Twenty seven years ago, our destiny was transformed when God placed a passionate desire in our Jewish hearts to carry the Gospel to Israel. In those early days I prayed and sought God as to how we could possibly leave our home and all those we loved, leave the congregation we had birthed, our language and our financial base for the unknown in Israel.
The challenge in front of us was like a giant mountain. I knew that in the natural we could never make it, but by his grace, we did not set our eyes on the natural but on Yeshua, the author and finisher of our faith.
It was heart wrenching to leave so many that we loved and go to a land where we knew almost no one but his fire burned in our hearts and so in obedience, we went. We paid the price. We laid down our lives. We left that which seemed comparatively easy for that which seemed to be difficult in every way.
It’s been almost twenty years since that unforgettable day. But as we look back we can proclaim that the unknown has become known and the unimaginable has become manifest in a very real and fruitful way. We’ve learned the language and helped raise up two thriving congregations. We’ve loved and been loved by so many. As is always the case when you step out in faith, the results have been beyond what we could have hoped for or imagined.
Today as I look back on those years, I want to encourage each of you to take that step of faith in your life. Most will not be called to an unknown land but God will challenge you to step out into the unknown and uncharted wherever you are.
We each have a path before us and at some point that path will extend beyond our natural ability. And it is at that moment that the truth will be seen: God is faithful. He is there with us and in love he will supply us with all that we need.
Our story is still unfolding. There is no retirement in God! As we live out our partnership with you, His wonders are being seen in an ever greater way. The sick are being healed. The congregation is flourishing and growing. The young are moving into their giftings. The lost are hearing and seeing the Good News of Yeshua as they spend time with us.
Together we have walked out the promises of God and together we have borne much fruit. With all of our hearts we thank God for all that has been and look forward to all that lies before us. God is good. He will never leave us and for forever and always- To him be the Glory!
This article originally appeared in Zion’s Glory Update, November 29, 2016, and reposted with permission.