2025 has been a heartbreaking year. The other day, someone asked me how I’m coping, and I chuckled because is anyone with a connection to Israel truly coping well right now? Some days feel more bearable than others, but just when it seems like things couldn’t get any worse, Hamas proves otherwise. Last week was one of the hardest in 512 days. Each devastating headline catapulted me back to October 7th, and grief wrapped around my heart as I mourned with my people. I’ve never cried so much or felt so helpless. Part of me longs to be back in Israel so I can hold my family close, but I know I’m meant to stay here.
So, how am I coping? The truth is, I’m hanging on by a thread. But that thread is Yeshua, Jesus. He is the only reason I am still standing. He is my Comforter, Strength, and Hope. Without His presence in my life and His Word as my foundation, I would be in shambles. But, by His grace, I get up each morning and find the motivation to keep writing, even when my spirit is weary.
“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” ~ Hebrews 12:3
Though my heart aches, 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 reminded me this week that God’s comfort is not meant to end with us but to flow through us. This season is dark and challenging, but as believers in the Messiah, we are called to be vessels of His light, extending hope and love to those also struggling. After all, this war is not just a physical fight against terrorism; it is a spiritual battle against God’s promises.
Right now, millions of Jews and Israelis are struggling with trauma, depression, fear, and hopelessness. They are crying out for relief, searching for anything to fill the void only Yeshua can provide. Though many of us are also weary from this endless fight, it’s time we got out of our feelings and used our pain to minister to others. Now, more than ever, people need to hear about the HOPE and RESTORATION found in Yeshua, Jesus.
Trauma wants to isolate us, but the Lord calls us to draw close to the body of Messiah, so we will have the support to make it through any hardship. Yes, I am tired. Yes, I am grieving. But, I choose to pick up my sword — the Word of God — and tell Satan: You will not break me. I will keep standing because my strength comes from the Almighty, who never leaves nor forsakes us.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.” ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Please continue to intercede for Israel, the Jewish people, and the rest of the world. Evil is being celebrated, and many have turned a blind eye to the heinous crimes happening in the open. Last week’s heartless display of the Bibas family and Oded Lifshitz was a stark reminder of the enemy we are fighting — and the urgency to speak out against injustice and demand these terrorists LET OUR PEOPLE GO! No family should have to bury their children, wives, or grandfathers simply because they were Jewish and Israeli. Nor should they be tortured with “proof of life” videos that do little to ease their constant worry and prayers for their loved one’s safe return. The rise in terror attacks throughout Israel must also be taken seriously.
We are not out of the darkness; we still have a long battle ahead. Nevertheless, during this heavy season, keep looking towards God. As Psalm 91:4-5 promises, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
If you also feel like you’re hanging on by a thread, ensure that the piece of rope is Yeshua because His hold is unbreakable. He catches every tear and longs to comfort us so we can become a source of comfort to others. Please do not isolate yourselves at this time. Even on your good days, reach out to someone and allow them to pray with you and lift you up when you grow weary.
“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!” ~ Psalm 56:8 (NLT)
If you haven’t been personally affected by October 7th but feel moved to pray for Israel, I encourage you to take an extra step by reaching out to someone you know who is struggling right now, whether from the war in Israel or another burden. Pray with them, share an encouraging word, or invite them out so they can have a few hours where they aren’t dwelling on their circumstances. God designed us to walk in unity because He knew we could not carry our burdens alone. Together, we are stronger!
A Prayer for Those Hanging on by a Thread
Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness, comfort, love, and joy. Even in this difficult time, Your light shines through the darkness, reminding me that You are in control. So, help me keep Your Word as the foundation of my life — like a lighthouse directing me back to You when darkness threatens to misguide me. Thank You for the faith to praise You in the storm. No matter my circumstances, I will choose to glorify Your name and honor You through the work of my hands. Please continue to comfort Your people, protect us from the enemy’s attacks, and pour Your Spirit into our hearts. Raise Your warriors to comfort one another and share the true Gospel with those crying out for rescue and relief. Remind Israel who You are and what Your Son did when He sacrificed Himself on the cross. May every victory and miracle point back to You, bringing healing to our hearts from the trauma inflicted since October 7th. In Yeshua’s name. Amen.
“I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” ~ Psalms 34:1-3, 15-18
