Faith is Half the Battle!

Faith arguably is half the battle in life. This is a central theme with God’s chosen people. Esther exhibited that unshakable faith and saved her people. Emma Lazarus also exhibited strong faith.

Emma Lazarus

Examining Emma Lazarus’s work, “The New Colossus,” an outline of the inner struggle and turmoil experienced by the oppressed is revealed. She was concerned with all oppressed people who were bound in any way and felt that New York, situated in the United States of America, could provide a haven for those seeking total freedom, total liberty, and total equality.

Back?

Her search for freedom, liberty, and equality is evident as she writes, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” She had firsthand experience with this journey. Sadly, with the recent turn of Anti-Semitism in America, we must reexamine ourselves.

Challenges

Israel’s history consists of developing, building, maintaining, and protecting its homeland. Israel frequently faces challenges from neighboring countries. Israel has been through a myriad of wars and different crises; their faith has always guided it through. Israel’s faith in God has indeed sustained them. This is evident in the book of Hebrews, which speaks about the heroes of faith. Israel lives out their faith. We can see this in the latest war.

Overcoming Discouragement

Feeling discouraged? Turn to Hebrews 11:1-40 and learn from and find solace in the heroes of faith. In my book, “Live Inspired, Not Bound, for Such a Time as This,” I discuss faith and opine: “Overcoming obstacles and enduring trials and winning through faith while all the time ignoring the visual is the peace and presence of Yeshua. Experiencing victory instead of defeat and winning despite visual odds are provided through the suffrage and value tendered on the cross. Centering our mind with the knowledge that the Father has already won a victory over any potential defeat issue or problem gives us assurance that we are overcomers.”

Heroes

I speak of heroes in my book too. “There are many biblical heroes of faith who have withstood much but also overcame much because of their faith in God. Reflect and consider the heroes of faith who are spoken of in Hebrews 11:1-40. They include Able, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Rehab, Gideon, Barak, Sampson, and Jephthah.” Ask yourself and examine whether your faith and commitment to God have any similarities. Stay encouraged in your faith.

Combatting Anti-Semitism

Keeping the faith when it is storming rather than raining can be difficult at times. The rise of Anti-Semitism all over the world is disturbing. I never thought I would see it in America. Emma Lazarus, during her era, fought against Anti-Semitism. Lazarus first sought meaningful, effective change by engaging with proactive individuals through her protest poetry. She used poetry to communicate, influence, and inspire the necessity for all people to be free. In her poetry, she sought to eliminate Anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination. Faith is half the battle!

Breathing vs. Grasping

One can picture an oppressed person, grasping for breath in the stanza, “yearning to breathe free.” All living forms, whether man, animal, or insect, possess within their soul the desire to live free as God intended. Israel and the Jewish people deserve to live and breathe freely. Through faith, preparation, dedication, inclusion, and work, this will be achieved.

Proactivity

You, too, through your faith and works, can stand with Israel and Jewish people all over the world and fight against Anti- Semitism. You might say: What can I do? How can I be effective? I am afraid to take a stance. Do not be scared. While faith is reasonable, proactivity is better!  James 2:26 (CJB) states: “Indeed, just as the body without a spirit is dead, so too faith without actions is dead.” Stand for what is right through your faith, as Esther, Emma Lazarus, and the heroes of faith have done throughout the ages.

Moving Forward

Remember, faith is half the battle! There are many practical ways to stand with Israel. Keep the faith and combat Anti-Semitism. I have provided suggestions. However, do not feel limited to these. You can create your own way to stand with Israel and the Jewish people.

Ideas

Join or lead an advocacy group.
Support humanitarian groups.
Lead a prayer group.
Continuously pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Embrace and share with others the historical significance and cultural heritage of Israel.