It has been only a couple weeks since returning to Japan and we have seen a couple feet of snow already. This is apparently the coldest winter on record in Japan! We are enduring this harsh weather, but at no little cost. Our utilities are through the roof and our rent is more than we can afford. So we battle to enjoy the days the LORD has given, without holding to frustration and bitterness for many reasons. It is difficult to watch the success of the those who have wronged you, while you suffer in the calling of God. However, God's Word promises justice "...and every tongue that shall rise against you, You shall condemn and You shall bring to judgment. This is the heritage of the LORD, and their righteousness is of Me says the LORD. Isaiah 54:17. And Paul writes to remind us, "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. Romans 12:19
Our rightness is of God, the great avenger. We cannot seek vengence, for it will be our destruction, but God, the author of righteousness sees all and knows all. He tests our hearts and He will teach us a better way. So we will wait on Him, for he will not delay, nor will He forget us. The LORD spoke to me through the passage in Isaiah that says, Those who wait upon the LORD, they shall renew their strength, they shall mount up on wings like eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, and they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.
So we will wait and be strengthened, and the LORD will lift us up upon wings when we are ready to receive His calling to ministry. Then there shall be a time of perservering, but we shall not grow weary and not faint. When we run there is grace to protect us and strength to propel us. When we walk with Him, we will experience His intimacy and truly know humility. For God's spirit within us does not give up, nor does it become tired or weak. This is the Spirit we submit to and allow to fulfill its will in us. So let us hear His voice today, let us quiet our busy minds and let us listen for His voice, for it is the voice of the Spirit, the voice of Jesus, the voice that testifies to the way of the Father.
