Calvary closets Blog

Thoughts from a Prayer Closet: God’s Hand in Every Detail

I recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to Israel with my church. Toward the end of the trip, we received urgent news: U.S. citizens were being advised to evacuate. On the day we reached the airport, an alarm blared, we were told to leave our luggage, and were ushered into a bomb shelter. When we returned to our bags, all flights had been canceled. Suddenly, we found ourselves stranded in Israel as war erupted between Israel and Iran.

It was a life-changing experience. My faith was stretched and strengthened in ways I had never imagined. I learned to take every thought captive, to see Scripture come alive, and to encounter the names of the Lord in a deeply personal way. In moments of fear and uncertainty, Isaiah 41:10 echoed in my heart:

“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.”

This trip reminded me that experiences like this test our faith and teach us to trust God fully in every step.

During our time in Israel, Pastor Vic invited us to share some of the “stones” we carried in our hearts- burdens, struggles, and fears- and to place them on an altar as an act of worship. One stone I shared was my restricted diet. Over the past year, I’ve developed multiple food allergies and sensitivities, which had made travel and even everyday meals feel heavy and limiting. Days before the trip, I almost canceled, concerned I wouldn’t have much to eat.

But I chose to trust God, and He provided in ways that amazed me. When it seemed impossible to find food, He provided. Sometimes it came through the generosity of others like when one friend shared extra apples or another brought plain chicken back to the hotel room which provided protein for several meals. Hotel staff even prepared special platters just for me at times, which I could pack for breakfast and lunch when other options didn’t work. The care I received was so thoughtful that a friend jokingly started calling me “Queen Joanna”!

Truthfully, I’m not a queen, but I am a daughter of the King. God, El Roi, reminded me that He sees every detail of our lives. He is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, who can turn what feels like a heavy, restricting stone into a shining diamond. Only God can take what seems impossible and make it beautiful.

And just as He transformed my “stone” of diet, He did the same throughout the trip. He provided shelter and protection, wisdom and guidance, food even in uncertain moments, and a loving, kind community that became family. In the end, He even directed us safely onto the right plane home.

This experience reminded me of remodeling a closet. At first, a cluttered, disorganized closet can feel overwhelming full of things that don’t fit, get in the way, or feel like burdens. But when God steps in, He carefully removes what’s unnecessary, reorganizes, and provides exactly what is needed, in the perfect place, making the space not only functional, but outstanding. That’s what He did for my heart, my needs, and our journey in Israel. Every detail, every challenge, every “stone” placed in His hands became part of a beautiful, purposeful design.

Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness, Your provision, and Your love reflected through the hearts of my church family and others, through every step of this journey.