My husband and I recently traveled to Israel, and the moment I stepped off the plane, I felt like I was home.

As we walked into the airport, it was like I could feel the arms of Jesus around me. I could imagine Him saying to me, “Welcome to the land I was born in and the land I chose to die and rise victoriously in, and the land where I will come back.”

Israel is the epitome of life, victory, struggle, light, ashes, beauty, rocks, ruins, tears of desperation, tears of joy—more victory, more light, more life. Here God gives strength to His people, encouraging them to keep on building, trusting, and depending on the love and peace only He can bring.

The beautiful land of Israel has seen much hardship, but into eternity it will be known as the birthplace of our Savior, the soil where He trod, the land that saw His death—and then His glorious resurrection, all because of His great love for us.

Just as God has rescued this precious nation again and again—working miracles on their behalf, doing the impossible for them, listening to their prayers when they cried out to Him, stepping in to save them—He wants to rescue you, too.

God Always Keeps His Promises

God is in the business of turning what was dry and desolate into pools and springs. He births rivers in the wasteland and life in places that have been barren (Isa. 43:19).

My view of the desert changed forever the first time I visited Israel. The switch in my perspective wasn’t based solely on the land’s physical beauty but also on its rich biblical history and the way God has so clearly kept His promises.

In 1867 Mark Twain called Israel a “desolation” and said there was “hardly a tree or shrub anywhere.”

But that description is no longer true. Israel is the only country in the world to enter this century with a net gain in trees. The desert has blossomed, just like the prophet Isaiah wrote:

The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. (Isa. 35:1)

Today God wants to do the same for you. He wants to be your fame, your glory, your deliverer, and the strong tower where you can hide until the danger has passed (Ps. 57:1). He wants to take your dry, barren places and cause growth to spring up, perhaps for the first time.

One day your life won’t look like this anymore. It will be better and more fruitful and full of light. Invite God to come into the dry places and turn them into a garden. Spend time with your Savior, and let Him remind you of what is important.

Turn Your Gaze to Jesus

Whatever you’re struggling with today—a nagging fear, an issue at work, a problem in your marriage or dating relationship—remember that more is going on than what you can see. The Holy Spirit is right here to help you be successful.

When you met Jesus, you opened your heart to receive the perfect Passover lamb, who spent every drop of His precious blood to rescue you. You are not alone, and you are not without hope in whatever situation you’re dealing with.

May the joy of the Savior be your strength, may you know how much God loves you, and may God’s peace reign forever in your life.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed. (Isa. 53:5)