Aug 2008
A Meeting of "Destiny"
August/19/08 Filed in: Relationship Evangelism | Intercession
Three years ago I met a special friend named Chika through a pregnancy class. In the last months before our boys were born, we spent time together sharing our hopes and fears about motherhood. I felt God’s favor over our relationship, and it was very easy to be with her.
Even though our due dates were three weeks apart, Kadin and Tai-ichi were born on the same day, just a few hours apart. We were both so surprised! For me, it was a very precious gift from God.
As per standard procedure in Japan, we stayed in the hospital for a whole week recovering from the births, and learning how to take care of our babies. It is amazing how close you can get to someone when you are spending time together every three hours in a nursing room (even at 4 am!)!
Pushing For A “Result”
When our boys were three months old, I pushed Chika to come to an outreach at our church. I didn’t have complete peace about it, but isn’t that what a “missionary” is supposed to do? Unfortunately, Chika was not ready for the pressure, and she pulled away from our friendship.
The Ugly Truth
What followed was a time of being quiet before the Lord, and realizing that His timing for Chika and my plans for her salvation were very different. The truth was very hard to acknowledge… that sometimes the desire I’ve felt as a missionary for people to get saved hasn’t been for the right reasons. Instead of waiting on God’s timing, I’ve wanted to push for results to show my own “success” as a missionary, so that my work can be praised.
Growing Pains
After 10 years of serving in Japan, I’m finally learning to discern the difference between when the Lord is moving in my relationships and when I am just trying to make something happen in my own strength. I am learning how refreshing it is to wait on God to open a door in someone’s heart!
Last spring, Chika and I found out we were pregnant again at the same time. God gave me favor again with Chika. But this time, we were both sensing something supernatural about our friendship…
Recognizing God’s Hand
When we spent time together, we both sensed a peace surrounding us, even our boys. Then, our Rylee and her Haruki (second boy), were born only a few days a part. Next we found out that OUR birthdays are only a day a part. To some people, all this might not mean anything. But, God is using these small “coincidences” to open Chika’s heart.
A few months ago, Chika’s mom passed away. When I expressed my condolences to Chika, she smiled and said, “The last conversation I had on the phone with my mom before she died was about you, Alice.”
I was very surprised to hear this!
“Mom said, ‘the coincidences in your friendship with Alice aren’t by chance. There is a special destiny that you two have. Don’t take it lightly’.”
Now Chika and her husband are looking for a place to live closer to us, and we are talking about putting our boys in the same kindergarten. It is exciting to see God at work, giving us favor. I am praying and waiting for His move of when and how to say more.
Please pray with us for Chika and her family, that this walk with “destiny” will lead her straight to Jesus.
|