“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrew 12:1)

It has been a long time since my last post. I’ve been super busy with work and studies and things in between. Now that I have a few days off before the semester starts again,I thought it would be a good time for a new post!

The semester break has been full. I had three papers to write in five weeks, one of which I only started a week ago. By God’s grace, I finished it and handed it in last week. I learned the lesson a while back not to put things off! (and learning to choose my topic for research early during the semester). I had it all planned out – a time frame for each project so that I would have enough time to rest before the new semester. But sometimes, things don’t work out like we want, no matter how well we plan.

Our congregation has been through some rocky times recently. Three of our five Elders suffered from medical issues. I am thankful that they are all on the mend and back serving the Lord. In addition, a very Godly woman, whom I have known since I was a little girl, and who had served faithfully in the congregation, has passed away. She fell ill during our regular, weekly service  and was rushed to the hospital. Within a week and a half, after much prayer and intercession for her, she went to be with the Lord. That was a shock for all of us. This precious woman, whom I loved as a grandmother, and whom many loved dearly, who served faithfully and lovingly, without seeking attention or honour from people, is now awaiting in the presence of the Lord, where there is joy forever. She was a pillar in our congregation, and will be missed by her family in the flesh and in the spirit.

The semester break was packed with events. I attended seminars by Voddie Bachaum who came to visit Israel. They were a real blessing! They were solidly Biblical and very encouraging and it was refreshing to be there, to listen and to learn. I think some of us could have sat there all day long and listened and studied from God’s word. There is always something new to learn, and I did.

We just finished celebrating Purim, the feast mentioned in the book of Esther. “For such a time as this” it seems, our Prime Minister was allowed to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress and spoke on the concerns of Iranian nuclear weaponry. Interestingly enough, I did my university research project on nuclear weapons. His message was quite timely, I think. (If you want an analysis of the speech, as well as some updates on Israel, check this out – http://www.twtw.co.il).

In the midst of all the things I did and experienced this semester break, I could sum them all up with the words of the title to this post. Great is thy Faithfulness. God was and is truly faithful, even when we are not, because He cannot deny Himself. He was faithful in helping me with my projects and with all the pressure I had of getting them done. He was faithful to me at work and in all the other things I had to do. He was faithful to our congregation, in the midst of the difficulties that we experienced. He is faithful in keeping his promises. God was faithful to the Jewish nation during Esther’s time and came to their rescue. God is faithful today, and I have not the slightest doubt that He will do the same thing. He is the Keeper of Israel, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, Who tends to the needs of His flock.

May we be faithful in His service, so that when our time comes to stand before Him, we will one day hear the words “well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

© Hannah Kramer