Yeshua, I will love You in the storm

Last evening when we left dinner for our cabins, the rains that had started earlier really picked up. Even though each of us on the Hesed Project trip were hoping for good weather, this was much needed for the nation of Israel and we needed to give thanks for the Lord providing this gift.

It wasn't long before strong winds took over, lightening and thunder joined in, and the rains became a downpour. My prayer was for the Lord to give Israel what they needed, and bless us with a good day of sunshine and a bit warmer temperature by morning.

This was going to be my first night without jet lag, and all seemed good for a night of rest. It was 1:47 AM Israeli time when I awoke, sensing the Holy Spirit was wanting to speak to me. As I was journaling, a cousin emailed that our cousin, Julie, had passed away earlier in the afternoon.

Even though Julie had been in hospice care for the pass four weeks, the news of her passing stopped me. She was leaving two young children behind without their father, as he had unexpectedly passed almost two years ago. Then, it was as if I heard the Lord say, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you" (John 14:27).

The next morning our group gathered to head to Kaplan Medical Center to express love to our Lord's beloved people for the second day. Thinking I had my feelings in order, I found my thoughts wandering, thinking about the children without their parents. I even complained in my heart about the continued rain. Hadn't they gotten enough in the night? And to top it off, my partner in the cleaning department at Kaplan and I were being told to stop what we were doing in order to do something else. That didn't last long as our cleaning boss wanted to know who told us to do that. This was not at all going as expected, and we were only on our second day.

Then, it was as if I heard the Lord say, "Will you love me in the storm?" I do love you, Lord. Would you give me a minute?

One by one patients who were sick were looking into our eyes and thanking us, asking questions of what we were doing and why, and hugging us. Staff were coming by saying how grateful they were that we were there. They wanted to tell us about themselves, and what they were doing. I was so ashamed. How could I have so quickly lost sight of Yeshua's love and His peace. He had given, and gives me His all. How could I give Him anything less?

Yes, Yeshua, I will love You in the storm . . . show me the way.

Shalom and love in Yeshua HaMashiach,

Diane Pizzola