God's Gracious Provision

Overwhelmed. Exhausted. Elated. These all describe my life the last few months. I'm sorry about the long silence. I just haven't have the energy to write.

I won't list all the activities of recent weeks. It is ironic that just after I finished a Bible study on worry and spending time with Jesus, I turned right around and did the opposite. I worried when I should have taken my concerns to God. It's not that I didn't pray. I just didn't transfer the weight of my burdens to God's outstretched arms. I left little time in my schedule for quiet reflection and rest, replacing every free moment with activity. These are not good strategies.

Nevertheless, God was and is merciful. Zech. 4:6 kept running through my mind, "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord Almighty." I ran out of might and power and found His Spirit ready to give me strength again.

In the midst of this difficult time God gave us wonderful gifts. We have enjoyed having Christie home. Her colorful personality enriches our lives. My 85-year-old father has been amazing traipsing around Tokyo as if he were much younger. He never ceases to brighten our days. Rachel, our 19-year-old house guest is always ready to lend a hand and share what God is teaching her.

I must tell you an absolutely amazing thing that God did. We had a very large financial emergency come up. Russ and I strongly believed we needed to proceed without hesitation in spite of the large price tag even though it meant using funds carefully set aside for our retirement. God spoke to the heart of a 70-year-old Japanese lady who has never met us (and who doesn't have a lot of money to spare) to give us 300,000 yen as a personal gift. This is equivalent to about $3300 (depending on the exchange rate). She heard very briefly about us from another missionary who mentioned us in passing. She followed God's prompting and gave them the money to give to us. I am still stunned. It covers the need. Please take a moment to ask God to bless that generous woman and to thank God with us for His loving care for us.

We are blessed to be a blessing,
Flossie