But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 NKJV
Having the privilege to travel the world as I minister to my sister in various countries has also helped me live my dream. When I was in high school, sitting in geography or history class, I dreamed of visiting such countries as China, Russia, Italy, Israel, Switzerland, and more. But as time went by, I knew, that dream would stay a dream. Traveling the world, I would think, is for the rich who can afford to live their dreams. Then one day in 2001. God called me to work in Women’s Ministries at our church’s international headquarters. Accepting that position called for many sacrifices and opened the door to new trials, but the blessings outweighed all the challenges. One such blessing was being able to visit the countries of my dreams.
One of my favorite countries is Israel, mostly because it is the country where Bible history took place. When I visit Israel, I think of all the stories in the Bible that I learned as a child. And then to have the opportunity to walk in places where Abraham, Ruth, Jesus, and the apostles walked makes their stories come to life more than ever before.
I especially love to visit the place many scholars believe was the location of Peter’s house. There is a church built over the house, and one cannot walk into the house. Yet a person can stand outside a protective wall and look inside. In the church above the house is a glass floor through which one can see the inside of the house. I remember the story of Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law and staying there when He was in Capernaum. I love this place because of Peter – imperfect, impulsive, emotionally charged Peter – the disciple to whom I feel most connected. He failed often, and some were public failures. Yet he never lost his faith through those failures because Jesus was there to forgive, heal, and help him become whole again. That’s what Jesus does for me too. I fail and falter each day, and sometimes others see my failures. But Jesus is always there, waiting to forgive me, forgetting my missteps, and loving me through whatever situation I am in.
God answered my unspoken prayer to travel the world! What an amazing God we serve! But even more, He answers my spoken prayer for forgiveness each day and grants me the joy of heaven to come.
Covered and Carried 2021, Copyright © Pacific Press Publishing Association