As the CEO of a Christian organization that works with and supports Israel, I daily pray for courage. Operation Exodus USA has assisted thousands of Jewish people back to Israel, and we need courage! Part of our vision statement is "We will assist and serve with courage, remaining steadfast to our purpose regardless of circumstantial pressures." I believe that when Joshua was about to conquer the promised land, and the angel of the Lord declared, "Joshua, be of good courage" wisdom and courage was poured out over him. So also, as the body of Christ, we can petition for courage.
On May 14, 1948, as Isaiah proclaimed, Israel was declared a nation in one day. The Jewish population in Israel at that time was approximately 800,000. Currently it is over 6 million. What a wonder and what courage they have displayed. This brave act of the exiles returning to the land is called aliyah. The prophets of old declare God's clear, passionate and uncompromising plans and purposes for the exiled Jews to return to Israel. "Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will assuredly plant them in this land, with all My heart and with all My soul" (Jer. 32:41, NKJV). This is His everlasting covenant. As Christians whose foundation is on biblical truth, we too are to be resolute.
As the hands and feet of Messiah, we have the privilege and honor to fulfill this commandment of the Lord to carry His sons and daughters back to the land. "Thus says the Lord God: See, I will lift up My hand to the nations and set up My standard to the peoples; and they shall bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders" (Isa. 49:22, MEV).
I have faith that like Ruth, the Gentile church will bring His sons and daughters home. I have seen it; thousands around the world are doing just that. Filled with courage, we will not desert Israel. We will stand against an ever- growing anti-Israel and ant-Semitic rage. Israel is not perfect, but the God of Israel is, and He promises in a loud and clear voice. "Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord God: "Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name's sake which you have profaned among the nations where you went. I will vindicate the sanctity of My great name which was profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst. Then the nations shall know that I am the Lord, says the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified among you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the nations and gather you out of all countries and will bring you into your own land" (Ezek. 36:22-24). Jerusalem waits for Her King.
Over the years, I have compiled from several sources governing standards about courage.
- Faith in our relationship with the Lord that is deeper than self-protection
- Belief that the prophetic word of God is truer than our doubts
- Convictions stronger than our fears
- Spiritual sensitivity that is louder than popular opinion
- Appreciation for discipline that is greater than our desire for leisure
- Poise that is more unshakable than panic
- Risk-taking that is greater than safety-keeping
- Action that is more real than rationalization
May God give us courage in these days; join us and be a part of this miracle. 
Debra MInotti is president and CEO of Operation Exodus USA.
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