Just for those who did not already know. We are now back in Japan. We took a much needed two week vacation in August to the U.S. It was a refreshing time as well as a time to get new direction for the next year or so.
Life back in Japan always brings challenges to the table. We have had little time since returning to sit down and slowly unpack our bags properly. We are still recovering from the exhausting ordeal of traveling overseas with two little ones. I have been back at work for around two weeks and the new semester has started. Bills, payments, and other financial issues are popping up from everywhere, breeding frustration and a sense of helplessness.
We want to be in a position to move back to the U.S. by the end of next year, but it seems impossible. Not to mention that Anna should start her education soon as well, meaning more money...delaying our return.
I think how we have been financially pinned in by paying penalties, tributes, and other amounts of money for extended family situations. Also my company took away over $1000 just because I needed to take days off for Yumi`s fathers`s funeral. We have no support beyond a few friends, who can only offer sympathy.
I ask God, "How can this be good?" "Is this the life of promise...or a case of redemptive suffering?" "Am I a fool for coming to Japan with nothing but the hope and promise of God?"
I am covered in despair, for what can I do?....I can barely provide for my family. I give thanks to God for getting us this far, but it seems that we are looking at more storm clouds ahead. I praise God for our health and our time together as a family. Certainly money is not our God and food can do nothing for the famished soul.
God make us strong and make our roots go deep and draw life from you, abiding in your goodness and mercy towards us, being wrapped in the warmth of your love for us. Invigorate our hearts and hands, let us do good to others and be servants of the Most High.
Here is a quote that speaks in a time like this
"Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you." Isaiah 30:18
God often delays in answering prayer.
If you have been knocking at the gate of mercy and have received no answer, do you want me to tell you why the mighty Maker hasn't opened the door and let you in? Our Father has reasons peculiar to Himself for keeping us waiting in this manner. Sometimes it is to show His power and His sovereignty. More frequently the delay is for our profit. You are perhaps kept waiting in order that your desires may be more fervent. God knows that delay will quicken and increase desire, and that if He keeps you waiting you will see your necessity more clearly and will seek more earnestly, and that you will prize the mercy all the more for its long delay.
There may also be something wrong with you which needs to be removed before the joy of the Lord is given. You may be relying on yourself a little too much instead of trusting simply and entirely on the Lord Jesus. Or God makes you delay awhile so that He might more fully display the riches of His grace to you at last. Your prayers are all filed in heaven and, if not immediately answered, they are certainly not forgotten. However, in a little while they will be fulfilled to your delight and satisfaction.
Don't let despair make you silent, but continue your humble request in good faith. Charles Spurgeon
