Overcoming Fear

How does one explain the events of a day in just words? They just don’t seem to do justice to what we were able to see. As a group we experienced so much together through each and every step.

As our day started out, we were welcomed by a beautiful morning of rain showers before we headed over to Tel Be’er Sheva, which is the location of one of the advanced water systems of that day. We were able to walk underground through what was once the ancient city’s cistern and visit the ruins of old dwellings & storehouses. Wrapped up the Be’er Sheva tour near a well similar to the one that Abraham dug.

Our next stop was into the wilderness of Zin. Imagine walking where Moses and the children of Israel walked on their journey through the wilderness (which we’ve come to know as the desert. Not like the Mojave desert, but more like the Death Valley desert.) One cannot describe the overwhelming feelings of awe as we gazed on the stream in the midst of towering canyon walls, thinking that you could possibly be standing exactly where Moses stood, as Pastor Ryan tells us of the story of Moses striking the rock, in Exodus 17: 1-7. He taught about the grumblings of the Hebrew people wanting to go back to Egypt, not realizing they were so close to their Promise Land. They had to overcome their fears of dying in the desert and trust God with their lives. Many in our group were soon confronted by our own challenges & fears (with grumbling set aside) as we embarked on the climb out of the canyon. Some faced fears of heights, others the challenge of the climbs difficulty, but as we all kept in mind Who we were trusting to lead us out, those issues faded away. Words of encouragement from others could be heard as we rounded the top of the cliffs. Our reward was a view of the majestic canyon below. This adventure could never have been possible if the rains that were forecasted actually came to fruition. We were blessed with perfect blue skies for the entire hike, right up until the moment of boarding the bus. That was God right there!!

As light showers began to fall, providing the opportunity to enjoy true Bedouin hospitality. As we arrived at the camel tour site, we were re-directed to the tent of our Bedouin host, Abrahim , for Turkish coffee/tea and baklava. What a treat! Once the rain subsided, we were guided to mount our desert “steeds”. The group was as giddy as a bunch of school girls at their 1st co-ed dance. Laughter could be heard from all as the camels arose with each of us on their backs, along with grunting sounds from camels and riders alike. Some of us held on for dear life, while others couldn’t put their cameras down, wanting to capture the moments on film.

After a brief lunch, we moved on to the ruins of a 5000 yr old Canaanite city and the fortress of Arad. This fortress contained the only existing ancient replica of Solomon’s temple. Dr. Sam Meier shared how the Israelite soldiers in this fortress had strayed from God’s guidance by erecting this temple. Isn’t it ironic how we as people can stray so easily even with the best of intentions.

We wrapped up this day with another “bucket-list” item for so many of us. A swim in the Dead Sea!! We arrived at our hotel just as the sun had set, so it was off to our rooms in a hurried fashion, for a speedy clothing change so we could meet back down and head off to the water. There was yet another sense of excitement in the air as we approached the beach. The first few tip-toed in….ok MANY OF US tip-toed in, to the cold water. But once the commitment was made, others began to follow suit and before we knew it everyone was floating and laughing at the experience.

This was the perfect end to yet another glorious day!! Isn’t it amazing how God ‘s provision was seen throughout the day!

Trevor & Wendy Dever