Walking on Water
This is my first attempt at blogging, officially…. I guess with the threat of looming war, anti-american sentiment rampant through out the Muslim world, elections around the world upon us, and me and my family, living in the Middle East, I felt I might have something to say… maybe. But it goes further than that. I have a story to tell, so I’m told – here goes…
I currently live in Beit Sahour. It is located in the West Bank, Palestinian Territories/Israel – depending on your political persuasion. We are a few miles southeast of Jerusalem – what many term the center of the world. Beit Sahour is best known as the place where the angels announced to the shepherds the birth of Jesus the Messiah. Beit Sahour is considered part of the tri-city area of Bethlehem and also includes the town of Beit Jala. We are talking about an approximate area of 5 miles square, and yes, this includes ALL three cities. My house is about 1 mile from where Jesus was historically born – now located within the walls of the Nativity Church in Bethlehem. THREE of my five children were born in the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, again no more than a mile (probably less) from where Jesus was born. We have lived in the Middle East since October 2003 and within Beit Sahour (on and off) since December 2005.
So, here I sit… I have recently come out of a time of depression and discouragement – a desert time in my life – feeling as though our lives (my family) are in constant flux, directionless, and with no security to speak of. Actually, if I’m honest, I feel I’ve subconsciously been here for a while. I have struggled to find my peace and security in God as He has said I should. I am only human and I fail miserably ALL THE TIME.
Yet… despite it all… I do believe God has directed us here. Despite the difficulties and struggles and lack of security I feel I have… I do see the hand of God and he wants me to trust and and find my security in Him – whether I FEEL like it or not.
Think about this. I live in the greater Jerusalem area. Jerusalem – home to the three great religions – Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Not to mention countless others. When we first moved here we met a guy who started his own religion and even had his own clothes that he made for himself, his wife and his children. Many of the Israeli’s I’ve met over the years are heavily involved in eastern religions, atheism, various sects of Judaism, pornography, homosexuality, etc. This is a country of countless options, religions, ideas, and more. On top of this you have the racism and hatred of people groups (not all, I’m being general here), you have threat of terrorism from both sides (yes, there is such a thing as an Israeli terrorist), and threats of wars. This is an intense area to live in and also a small area to live in. The Jerusalem area boasts approx. 1 million people (not just the city proper) that almost live on top of each other. Most people live in apartment buildings, not single homes. Incomes are low and cost of living is high… it is RIPE for things to happen. It is ripe for intense spiritual struggle and spiritual warfare. I’m not living in Grand Rapids, Michigan where there is a church on every corner and I’m surrounded by people who think like me. I’m in just the opposite. Surely, if I am certain that God has directed me/us here… CERTAINLY, the great accuser, Satan, will try all he can to bring me down – without question… and he does. I succumb. But then I rise above. I do wish I could keep my head above water all the time… maybe even walk on water most of the time. It is possible. That will be my prayer… to walk on water. Jesus take my hand that I may walk on water.