“For the Lord of armies says this: “After glory He has sent me against the nations that plunder you, for the one who touches you, touches the apple of His eye” Zecharaiah 2:8

As the atrocities of the past few days begin to unfold, and the stories are told, it is impossible to describe in words what happened and how we feel. “My eyes run down with streams of water because of the destruction of the daughter of my people…I called on Your name, O LORD, out of the lowest pit. You have heard my voice, do not hide Your ear from my prayer for relief, from my cry for help. You drew near when I called on You; You said, ‘Do not fear!” (Lam. 3:46-50, 55-57).

The enemies of Israel have attacked her, and she is crying and hurting. They made a fatal mistake and touched the apple of God’s eye – the same God who calls Israel His own, His beloved, His daughter and who has issued a warning from ages past agaisnt those who touch Israel. The Lord of heavenly armies will avenge Israel and fight for her.

Now is the time to pray, now is the time to intercede before the heavenly throne that God would destroy the enemies of Israel who seek to destroy her. I am reminded these days of the story of Elisha who, along with his servant, awoke to find the marauding bands of Aram (Syria) surrounding them.

“Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, ‘This is hopeless, my master! What are we to do?’ ¹⁶ And he said, ‘Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are greater than those who are with them.’ ¹⁷ Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘Lord, please, open his eyes so that he may see.’ And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. ¹⁸ And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the Lord and said, ‘Please strike this people with blindness.’ So He struck them with blindness in accordance with the word of Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:15-18.

The servant expressed what many feel these days – hopelesness. What are we to do? Between hearing the sirens and running to safe rooms or shelters, stocking up on supplies, heeding warnings to remain indoors and listening to the news, the situation sometimes appears hopeless, it is easy to become consumed with worry, fear and anxiety. Yet, God has proven time and again He watches over Israel. The situation of Elisha’s servant is not just a nice story. It really happened. Just because we can’t see with our physical eyes the angels surrounding us, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. We ARE surrounded by the armies of the Lord. God IS protecting us and those who are with us, are greater than those who dared attack the apple of God’s eye.

This story greatly encourages me. Israel awoke early Saturday morning to a surprise attack from its enemies. Yet, as Elisha told his servant, “do not be afraid”. Humanly speaking, there is every reason to fear, spiritually, there is none. God will fight for us. It is natural and human to be worried, I know. But we can’t allow fear to control us.

Friends and family abroad have written to me a lot these last few days, praying and interceding non stop. I appreciate that greatly. Please, continue to pray. Now is the time to stand with Israel, now is the time to pray that the nation of Israel turn its eyes to the One who has called her to be a light to the nations. One Israeli news channel, broadcasts “With God, we will win!”. That is the first time I have ever seen any news media clearly broadcast on its screen anything about God. Yet, that is exactly the attitude we pray and hope the nation will have in these days. Pray that people will see that our victory is not by our strength, but from God alone.

“In righteousness you will be established; You will be far from oppression, for you will not fear; and from terror, for it will not come near you. If anyone fiercely assails you it will not be from Me. Whoever assails you will fall because of you. Behold, I Myself have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and brings out a weapon for its work; and I have created the destroyer to ruin. No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me, declares the LORD” (Isa. 54:14-17).