Ever since I received Jesus as my Savior (nearly 34 years ago) I have heard of how awesome it is to visit the Holy Land. Many people make the trip. I've heard stories from my pastor, visiting evangelists, and other Christians who have had the opportunity to visit where Jesus walked so many years ago. I have heard it over and over, the wonder of it all.
It has been a dream of mine to go there and to live that experience. I could try to picture in my mind what it is like but still could not touch it or live in the moment. As I see movies or pictures in books or on TV of that area, it still would not bring me closer. I’ve just thought, if only for just one moment I could touch one place where He walked, where He prayed, or where He was born . . . it would change my life.
Unfortunately, I just could not raise the money and take the time off to go. So, as I was writing this letter, I received a tap on my shoulder and a nudge on my heart from our Savior Himself. I could recognize His presence.
I believe this nudge I received is His message for me to remember...
You don’t have to be in Israel to have a moment. You don’t have to touch the ground on the Mount of Olives where I taught and prayed; smell the trees; or stroke the water at the Sea of Galilee on where I walked or fed the 5,000; or even stand at the place where I was born in Bethlehem. You don’t have to kneel at Calvary where I died on the cross in that moment that changed the world for all mankind.
You see Tom, you have walked with Me many times over your 34 years. From the very beginning in that church where you received Me as your Savior, I have come in your dreams at night to share with you how to write your plays. I have stood next to you in the hospitals (from intensive care through your rehabilitation) when you had your knees replaced, then that time of trial when you were paralyzed for a time after having your hip replaced. I was there all the time, day and night, I never left you.
When you and Bobbie lost your home and all of your money and you had nowhere to go, I was walking with you each step. I heard your call every time, your cry for help was on its way. Then, even as you and Bobbie began to get back on your feet and you started your ministry, I, too, have been walking along side you, protecting the two of you and blessing your walk with Me. Through triumphs and troubles, struggles and victories, you have walked with Me and I with you.
I believe that the trip to visit where I was hundreds of years ago is good, but these last 34 years walking where you have walked is much better than a trip. What is most exciting is that you are still walking, learning, seeing, experiencing and, most of all, sharing Me with others so they can walk with Me as well.
Remember, it’s not always so important the places where I walked, but where you invite Me to walk with you. So, in a way, you are walking today the places where I walked, and I am continuing to lay a footprint for you to touch. And, by the way, it has changed your life.
We all have the opportunity to walk where Jesus walked, today!
Jeremiah 29:13
"And you will seek Me and find [Me], when you search for Me with all your heart."
2 Corinthians 2:16
"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me."
Isaiah 41:10
"Fear not, for I [am] with you; Be not dismayed, for I [am] your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
