Shalom dear friends,
As we come into this Shabbat, we want to share a real picture of what life feels like here in Israel right now. Even in moments of relative quiet, there is still an underlying tension. People are watching developments closely—from Iran, from the north—and many are asking what the coming days will bring. Life continues, but it carries a certain weight. Families go about their routines, children go to school, communities gather—but there is an awareness that things can shift quickly.
And it is exactly into this kind of reality that the Word of God speaks—not as something distant or theoretical, but as something steady, something we can stand on.
Next week, Israel will mark Independence Day. It is a powerful reminder that the restoration of this nation is not a coincidence of history, but the fulfillment of what God spoke through the prophets. What we are witnessing here is part of a larger story that God Himself has been writing. But when we look at Scripture, we see that God does not only speak about restoration—He also speaks about what comes after.
In Isaiah 66, the Lord says:
“Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like a flowing stream… as one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”
Isaiah 66:12–13
This is a very strong and practical promise. God describes His peace—His shalom—not as something temporary or fragile, but as a river. A river flows continuously. It is not dependent on what is happening around it. It brings life wherever it goes. And when we look at the situation today, we can honestly say that we do not yet see this in fullness. There is still uncertainty, still pressure, still reminders that this region lives under tension.
But God is not describing what we see today—He is declaring what He will do. His Word stands above the situation. He says, I will extend peace like a river. This means that the future of Israel is not defined by conflict, but by the shalom that He Himself will establish—deep, steady, and lasting.
At the same time, the Lord speaks about “the glory of the nations” coming like a flowing stream. This is not a small detail. It shows us that what God is doing in Israel is directly connected to the nations. There is a flow—like a stream—where blessing, honor, and purpose move together according to His plan.
And this is where you are part of the story.
Those who stand with Israel—through prayer, through support, through faith—are not standing on the outside looking in. You are part of this flow. As you align your heart with what God is doing, you step into something that He Himself is establishing. This is not only about helping Israel—it is about participating in the purposes of God in a way that connects heaven’s promises with real lives on the ground.
Then the Lord brings this promise into a very personal place: “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” This is how God meets us—not from a distance, but closely, attentively, in a way that is deeply personal. In the middle of uncertainty, in the middle of questions, in the middle of pressure—He brings comfort that is real and sustaining.
And this is where the encouragement becomes personal for each of us.
Because this promise is not only about a future we are waiting for—it is something we begin to experience as we walk with Him. The same God who declares peace over Israel is the One who brings peace into your life. The same God who is moving here is present with you. And as you continue to trust Him and stand with His purposes, His shalom begins to take root in you—not as a temporary feeling, but as something deeper and more steady.
So this Shabbat, we encourage you to take a step back from the noise of the world and anchor your heart again in the Word of God. Do not measure your peace by what you see around you. Measure it by what He has spoken. His promises are sure. His faithfulness has not changed.
Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for praying. Thank you for being part of what God is doing here in Israel in this time.
We are truly walking this together—and the Lord is with us in it.
Shabbat shalom,
Pastor Israel Pochtar