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God’s Promise of Protection

March 23, 2020

Fear has taken over our world.

The coronavirus is spreading rapidly throughout the world. In Israel thousands of people have been infected, with the numbers expected to double every three days. Numerous elderly Israelis with weakened immune systems have succumbed to the virus, and Israel’s leadership warns that the casualty count will continue to grow. The government has ordered a lockdown in order to curb the spread of the virus, restricting people to their homes except for necessary errands like shopping for groceries or going to the pharmacy. Churches and synagogues are shuttered for the foreseeable future. Thousands are out of work and applying for unemployment. It is enough to strike fear into hearts.

I am so thankful that the Lord put Psalm 91 in the Bible. The psalm starts with the words: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (v. 1). As we read on, three times it tells us not to fear pestilence or plague:

“Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence” (v. 3).

“…Nor the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you” (vv. 6–7).

“No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways” (vv. 10–11).

Many theories about the virus have surfaced, including a rabbi who says it is God judging the world and Christian Bible prophecy students asking if this is an end-time plague. Other rabbis and Christian leaders are in opposition to these theories. Go to social media, and you will find all manner of conflicting stories stirring up even more fear. Clearly fear is not from God. The apostle Paul writing to Timothy said, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7).

Bringing Hope to the People of Israel

I was sitting at dinner with Israeli friends. They are traditional, not Orthodox (religious). As we talked about current events, I opened my Bible app and pulled up Psalm 91 in Hebrew. I asked them to look at what God has to say. I watched their faces calm as the Word of God spoke to their hearts. At that moment I knew we had to get Psalm 91 to all the Israelis we help on a monthly basis. One of our designers has created a beautiful bookmark with Psalm 91 in Hebrew on one side and English on the reverse. It is our plan to print thousands to distribute along with our monthly food packages.

Our team is not running away. We continue to bless the people of Israel with food, encouragement and love. Three of our team members are in quarantine presently after traveling to Europe. We are taking them food and will bring food to others who are quarantined.

Please help us bring hope and peace to hearts in Israel. We believe that God will use the 91st psalm to communicate His loving care at this tense time. We need you and all our friends around the world to continue to stand with us in prayer and financial support. I believe God has a special work for us at this time, but we can’t do it without your help. For every gift of US $10 or more, we will send a Psalm 91 bookmark in Hebrew and English. Keep dwelling in the secret place of the Most High! We are praying for you and your loved ones that God will keep the plague away from you.

Blessings from Israel,

Rebecca J. Brimmer

International President and CEO

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