As we are in the last three days of Elul, preparing to enter the new year and the Days of Awe that bring us to Yom Kippur and Tabernacles, I think of a springboard as I read today. A springboard is a thing that lends impetus or assistance to a particular action, enterprise, or development1. As we have spent this month in repentance, reflection, and giving, we have not reached an end but a beginning.
Elul is the time of preparation for standing before God on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur to receive either a blessing or a curse. As we have watched the hand of God use the IDF and IAF in these last few days to bring significant blows to Israel’s enemies, it is a reminder to us that we need to stand on God’s side, the side of Israel, as they, with the help of God rid the world of terrorists.
Psalm 27 has become a reality during this Elul. “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? 2 When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident.” (NASB95).
Each of us has been focusing on our personal development this month, but as we near the end of Elul and see the anniversary of the events of October 7th, 2023 approaching, I want to remind us to continue praying for the rescue of the hostages, offer support to the IDF through Friends of the IDF, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem daily.
As we approach the new year, the strongest word I have in my heart is stand with Israel and study the Prophets. We, as believers, must know the prophetic words concerning Israel. We must resolve to stand, and we must do everything we can spiritually and naturally to stand with Israel and to stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters by standing against antisemitism and anti-Judaism in all its forms.
There are tough days ahead, not only for Israel but also for many nations of the world. We have a presidential election in a matter of weeks. No candidate can save this nation, but a candidate and President submitted to God can be used of God to turn this nation around if the Church is also walking in righteousness.
As you keep your eyes on God and His Word, as you stand with Israel and in faith, God will see you through no matter what comes. That is a promise we can all hang on to. Use these last few days of Elul and the Days of Awe that are coming to put your heart and your actions in the best position possible to springboard over fear and into faith.
Casey D. Bell 
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