One evening in the middle of July this year, I felt exhausted with my Japanese language study. I had arrived in Japan with my husband in March and since then life has been constantly busy.
My progress in the language has been slow and I started to wonder if God still cares about me or if he is disappointed in me—like one of my Japanese language teachers or other people who thought I could learn faster. So, I took an evening walk alone to a nearby park—it’s a green space near a small airport surrounded by mostly onion farms.
Looking at the expansive green fields and the vast sky, I was reminded that “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1 NIV), and “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).
I couldn’t help but talk with God. Did he really know about my current difficulty? As I waited for the beautiful sunset on the hill, I was also waiting for God’s response. When I thought I had seen the sunset, I started walking down the hill. But I looked up again and saw the sky had turned completely RED!
On the flat ground below the hill God used the most beautiful sunset to tell me, “My child, I know your pain!”
I broke in tears and silently whispered, “My Lord, this is sufficient!” My heart was comforted and felt so close to him at this sunset encounter.
Being in Japan’s nature is a good reminder that God is the Great Creator who loves me as well as Japanese people. In Japan, but especially in Hokkaido, you can not only enjoy the beauty of nature, but also, because it is quiet, you can encounter God.
After we finish full-time language and culture study, we will start hiking regularly and hope to be able to meet Japanese people, or we may join a hiking club or group.
By Kelly Wu, OMF missionary
