In Times of Uncertainty

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5: 1-6 (NRSV)

Kenichi Kurokawa lives in Tokyo, Japan. The Tokyo Olympics were scheduled to begin in 2020, but due to the rise of COVID - 19, Japan's government proclaimed a state of emergency and the games were postponed. They were suddenly thrust into quarantine in their homes. During that time Kenichi's pregnant wife was hospitalized for over two months prior to giving birth. While she was hospitalized, visitation was prohibited.

Meanwhile, their daughter and Kenichi stayed home where she participated in unfamiliar remote schooling. And because her mother, who understood her best, was hospitalized, she struggled even more.

As their family contended with these various issues, Kenichi continued to read The Upper Room. His study of God's word and reading the testimony of believers who also were leaning on God gave Kenichi hope. Then, when their second daughter was born, her new life deepened his hope. With purity of heart, she cried when her stomach was empty. And when satisfied, she smiled and became visibly peaceful. Seeing her natural trust in their provision, Kenichi realized that he could also, with assurance, express his needs to God. He thanks God for the grace given him in his time of need.

Prayer: O God, lead our families to become united. Enable us to stay close to you, no matter what we are facing, in Jesus' name. Amen.