Guest post by Beth Jones
The drums of Africa beat within my heart. I have never been there, but one day I will go. I believe God has an impartation for me there—much like when He spoke to me that I’d go to Israel and Niagara Falls and had impartations for me there.
Because of words penned by Isak Dinesen in Out of Africa, I long all the more forAfrica.
“In the middle of the day the air was alive over the land, like a flame burning; it scintillated, waved and shone like running water, mirrored and doubled all objects, and created great Fata Morgana. Up in this high air you breathed easily, drawing in a vital assurance and lightness of heart. In the highlands you woke up in the morning and thought: Here I am, where I ought to be.”
Several years ago, my husband Ray and I visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem, a remnant of the ancient wall surrounding the Jewish Temple and one of the most sacred sites in Judaism outside of the Temple Mount itself. It is called the “Wailing Wall” or “Place of Weeping.” The traditional Arabic term for the wall stems from the Jewish practice of coming to the wall to mourn the destruction of the SecondTemplein 70A.D. (Wikipedia, The Western Wall). I had prayed for years to be able to go toIsrael, the place of my Savior’s birth, specifically wishing to visit this holy site while there.
An intercessor, I longed to visit the Wall and pray. I know God hears my voice wherever and whenever I pray, but He had told me He would impart something specific to me when I went to Israel. I had to get to that wall to pray.
At the Kotel (the Hebrew term for the Western Wall), men pray on one side and women pray on another side, a source of current controversy since men and women aren’t allowed to pray together. Ignorant of their custom, I was surprised to see the division. Ray walked over to the men’s side and I walked to the women’s. On the men’s side, orthodox Jewish men bobbed their heads and swayed their bodies almost violently as in Exodus 20:18 when the people trembled after the Ten Commandments were given.
I would have liked to pray with my husband beside me, but the Wall is carefully guarded and signs remind visitors that the site is a holy place. I would have to obey the rules or risk being arrested. I would pray on the women’s side.
It was crowded, but I was determined to get right next to the Wall. Like the woman with the issue of blood knew she had to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment to be healed, I pushed my way through the crowd. Many Orthodox Jewish women were there, weeping loudly. I stood near a young Jewish woman, her head covered as she stood next to the Wall. She prayed silently, lips moving and eyes dry and empty. I sensed that her soul was equally empty.
My fingers, physically shaking now, reached toward the Wailing Wall. As soon as I touched the stones, God’s powerful presence fell upon me. I bowed my head, tears streaming down my face. God answers prayer. He had given me my dream come true. I was in Israel. I was in Jerusalem, the Holy City, praying at the Kotel. All I could do was thank Him and cry.
God’s peace and joy filled my heart to overflowing. When I opened my eyes, the young Jewish woman was staring, intently watching me. I could tell from the expression on her face that she saw something in me for which she longed. Or rather, perhaps she saw Someone. Jesus in me?
I had something inside me that was real, something this woman needed. Something the whole world needs. Jesus.
It’s not about just bobbing and swaying. It’s about knowing Him.
The impartation was this: It’s not religion; it’s a relationship. It’s not about the Law; it’s about God’s love and grace.
I looked into her eyes, tears still pouring down my face, and smiled. I didn’t speak her Hebrew language, but surely she must have heard the language of the Spirit and the Love of God radiating from my soul.
I now await a trip to Africa in God’s perfect timing, knowing He will meet with me there as well.
What are the longings of your heart? Trust, pray, and believe. He is waiting for you there.
Beth Jones is a Christian speaker, author, life coach, wife, and mom of 3 beautiful daughters. She resides inKansas City,MO.Her mission is equipping women to hear God’s voice, unlock their gifts, and pursue their passion. You can learn more about Beth’s products and services at http://www.bethjones.net.
Read more encouraging stories from brave-hearted women here. Be sure to grab your free copy of inspirational quotes and writing prompts while you’re there. (Look over on the right hand side!)
