By Toni Ford
Since the war started in Israel on October 7, 2023, the fellowship I belong to asked me to write a weekly email about the war containing key points, prayer points and Scripture to be praying over Israel.
Because of the miracle that took place earlier this week when Israel forces re-scued four Israeli nationals kidnapped several months ago by Hamas, I decided to share what I wrote this past week. I pray that as you read this column today, you are encouraged to see the mighty miracle working power of our God. Most of all, I pray that that you continue to pray for Israel and its people, as well as the innocent people in Gaza being affected by this war. Enjoy reading, and may you be blessed!
This is week 32 of the war in Israel against Hamas and Hezbollah, and there are numerous articles and reports from this past week regarding the war which could be shared. However, I decided to focus on the best news article we have received in a long time – the incredible rescue of the four Israeli hostages. Yesterday, on a beautiful Shabbat morning, we woke up to the miraculous news that Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Shlomi Ziv and Andrei Kozlov had been rescued after eight months and a day of captivity in Gaza. Spontaneous celebrations of cheers along with tears of great joy began, both in Israel and among those who stand in support of Israel abroad. We give all glory and praise to our almighty God, for He deserves all the praise!
This is why we will never stop praying for the hostages and for their families and all those impacted in Israel by this war. This is also why we keep trusting in God, knowing that He is working in the natural and even more so in the supernatural. Yes, the war continues, and yes, there are still 120 hos-tages being held in captivity, and yes, we continue to pray, but if you have not taken some time as of yet to stop and praise our mighty God for all that took place yesterday, then please do so today!
Key points
* This is one of the best articles we have read in a while: “Four Israeli hostages rescued from Gaza in daring joint operation between IDF, Shin Bet and Israel Police” – All Israel News
* This is a beautiful recording of the hostage rescue that can be found on youtube.com: “Day 246: Swords of Iron – four hostages rescued alive.”
* “When hostages come home:” thefp.com.
Prayer points
* Continue to pray for all the hostages to be found and returned home safely.
* Now that Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Shlomi Ziv and Andrei Kozlov are back home safe, pray for their healing, not just in their bodies but in their minds and hearts as well. Pray also for their families.
* Chief Inspector Arnon Zamora was killed during the operation of rescuing the hostages. The operation was renamed in his honor. He has a wife and two children. Pray for his family.
* Soldiers serving in the Israeli Defense Force risk their lives every day. Pray for their safety.
Psalm 27: 1-14 says, “Adonai is my light and my salvation: whom should I fear? Adonai is the stronghold of my life: whom should I dread? When evildoers approached me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my foes stumbled and fell. Though an army camp besieges me, my heart will not fear. Though war breaks out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing have I asked of Adonai that will I seek: to dwell in the House of Adonai all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of Adonai and to meditate in His Temple. For in the day of trouble, He will hide me in His sukkah, conceal me in the shelter of His tent and set me high upon a rock. Then will my head be high above my enemies around me. In His Tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy. I will sing, yes, sing praises to Adonai.
“Hear, Adonai, when I call with my voice, be gracious to me and answer me. To You, my heart says, ‘Seek my face.’ Your face, Adonai, I seek. Do not hide Your face from me. Do not turn Your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Do not abandon me or forsake me, O God, my salvation. Though my father and my mother forsake me, Adonai will take me in. Teach me Your way, Adonai, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. Surely, I trust that I will see the goodness of Adonai in the land of the living. Wait for Adonai. Be strong, let Your heart take courage, and wait for Adonai.”
If you would like continued prayer, feel free to email me at tonif77@gmail.com. I would love to pray for you!
