Hearts Forever Changed in the Holy Land.

by Lisa Stringer

I was doing some cleaning this morning and found a purple pouch that was given to us as we traveled to one of our scheduled stops. We were told we could pick up things that were already on the ground, just not to break any branches, leaves or flowers from any tree or plant. We were reminded  that if every tourist tore off a branch or leave from a tree, the trees would be left with only the trunks. It made perfect sense. As I felt led, I would pick up withered leaves, fallen olive branches, and rocks from various biblically historical sites. This would be a perfect gift for some special intercessors. A gift that would be accompanied by a letter of explanation of what God was speaking to me during the journey.

Upon my return from Israel, I had ministry assignments abroad and a full schedule.  It wasn’t until today that I truly had a window to stop and reflect on the goodness of God in allowing a team from Somebody Cares International to join the Alliance of Christian Women for Israel on their inaugural journey to The Holy Land. We joined women from throughout the U.S., and around the globe to discuss how we could strategically  serve Israel together, and continue to stand with them in prayer. My daughter, Ashley, was able to join us on this journey as the youngest member of the delegation. She was also blessed to be part of the worship team that led us into His presence throughout the journey. The itinerary included visits to some historical biblical sites which helped  bring the Bible to life by giving us an even greater understanding of The Word. There is nothing like onsite for insight. The visit to the IDF base was priceless, hearing from some officers and having the opportunity to watch video of missions that gave us a better understanding of all they do to keep peace in the region.  Another highlight was visiting The Jewish Agency for Israel and hearing from various staffers about all they are doing to see people make Aliyah and to serve the people of the State of Israel. To say that visiting the President’s home was an honor, would be an understatement.  We sat in the room equivalent to the Whitehouse’ Oval Office where we heard from a high level representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which consults President Rivlin.

Back to the purple pouch. Throughout our pilgrimage in the Holy Land, I had picked up various rocks and put them in my pouch. When I saw the light purple bag this morning, I lifted it up by its strings and gazed at its contents. Instantly, I was reminded of the story of David and Goliath. I imagined the five smooth stones he took from the brook and placed in his shepherd’s bag. One of those stones would take out the giant that many feared. As I reread 1 Samuel 17, I pondered the almost ten foot giant of a man that David had before him. David would not tolerate the uncircumcised Philistine mocking God. In verse 37 David  says to Saul, ““The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” WOW, now that is confidence in the Lord. If only we too, would remember that God can see us through anything. There is no obstacle too big for the One True, Living God.

Verse 43 reads: So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” David goes on to say in verse 45: “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”

The pouch will remain in a special place in my home as a reminder that when I am in alignment with God’s word, obedient to His commandments, and walking in humility, I need not fear. My husband reminds us often to speak truth, in love, seasoned with grace.  It is time for us to be bold like David, and not cower at the threat of being unliked, unfriended, shunned, or misunderstood because of our faith. We must stand for truth and righteousness, we must stand with Israel and educate the next generation, should the Lord tarry, to have a heart like David’s, a man after God’s own heart.

My husband is often quoted as saying that “Relationships define our destiny, first with God and then with one another.” I am grateful for the relationship we now have with the Alliance of Christian Women for Israel. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside women of God who have a heart after His. We look forward to seeing how the Lord will continue to knit our hearts to serve Him and His purposes, and to see His kingdom come, as His will be done.