These days have been demanding on me. Yet, there is a satisfaction that comes with them. This satisfaction is the assurance that every trial, difficulty, or persecution is accomplishing God's work in me. The Scriptures say to "Count it all joy..." James 1:2 and "Do not be surprised..." 1 Peter 4:12,13 and even Peter writes, "But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
God's glory will be revealed in Japan and all throughout the earth. That is the source of our joy. The grand hope for the Christian is that His glory would dwell in our families, communities, and countries. His glory takes what seems mundane and ordinary and makes it wonderful. His glory makes remedial chores an ecstatic joy and serving others in humility an addiction.
God's work in me seems to becoming more noticeable. It is almost as God is brewing something inside of me. Recently I have been reading stories of martyrs, and other revolutionary Christians. Especially with interest to those tied to Japan. It is amazing to think of over 1 million claiming to be Christians were executed in Japan over 400 years ago. I will continue to study and ask God to reveal to me His desire for this nation and how to pray for it and its revival in the church and repentance in the nation.
