We arrived last night in Galilee after two days of traveling through the Negev Desert and along the Dead Sea. One of the students with us described the journey as layers of technicolor in tan and beige and brown until we crested the hill and saw the Dead Sea for the first time. The emerald green and turquoise of the water created a sweep of color across the landscape that was almost beyond description. I was so impressed with his description that I wished I had said it.
The area that grabbed my attention was the wilderness of Zin, which is considered to be the area the Hebrews first entered into the Negev Desert. It's stark and empty, with deep canyons, no vegetation, and little shade. Yet, even driving along the edge of the wilderness, I could hear God's voice . . . reminding me that things back home were under His control and that He was still taking care of me every day, just as He did the Hebrews. In that wilderness, the Hebrews wouldn't have lasted more than a day or so without God's provision and protection. They survived 40 years.
I realized that I have the same provision and protection from God for the stuff that creates my own personal "wilderness". That was a message I needed to hear. Pray that we'll all continue to hear God's voice . . . not just in Israel, but wherever we are!
Shalom!
Margie Williamson
Community Manager
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