My heart is troubled

Those are heavy words.

But today, my heart is troubled.

This morning at 9:45, I got on my bike and rode to Mr. Doughnut.  Just like I have for five weeks before.  I arrived at Mr. Doughnut, and was greeted at the door by Junko.  We had not seen each other in over a week.  We said hello and then we went for the good stuff, Coffee and Doughnuts!!!  As we made our way to the back table {our table} she said, "I am so excited for today."  I was too.  Today was the lesson I had been waiting for.  The ONE.  The lesson that asks the big question in life. 

Do you want to begin your new life with Jesus today?

We sat down and began the general chit chat.  How was your vacation?  Nice weather today, don't you think?  Are you excited about school starting back? 

As we started the Bible study we read . . .

"If you learned that the richest man in your city like you, and wanted to adopts and make you his heir, how would you feel?"

We read John 3:16 and Romans 5:8.  She jotted down notes in both Japanese and English.  She circled words and highlighted in the workbook.  We read that

 

 "But as many as received him,

to them gave he power to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:"

John 1:12 

 

 We learned about the fruit of the spirit and how God has plans for each of us, even before we were born. 

 

 "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,"

Galations 1:15 

It was verse 14 that caught her attention.

"And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous

of the traditions of my fathers." 

 Galations 1:14 

". . . . the traditions of my fathers." 

At the end of the lesson a question is asked. 

"There is abundant, eternal life waiting for you.  Further, God has designed a perfect plan for your life.  Would you like to begin this new life today?"

Her reply to this question was, "My heart is troubled."  She then told me she is happy when she comes to church, she is happy when she studies the Bible with me, she is happy when she reads the Bible, but her heart is troubled.  She pointed back to Galations 1:14.  She said, "My heart is troubled." 

You see, she is a Buddhist. Her family is Buddhist. For hundreds of years, her family has been Buddhist.   For many generations they have passed down the family alter. They have celebrated many religious holidays and festivals together. They have prayed to their ancestors together. It is the traditions of her fathers. It is all she has ever known.

But my heart too is troubled.  Not because I don't want to offend my family.  Not because I am afraid of what my friends will think.  Not because of the traditions of my fathers.

My heart is troubled because there are many people all around the world just like her.  Searching for the truth.  Searching for Jesus. 

Lord, keep my heart troubled. 

Keep me upset that people don't know you. 

Keep me searching for ways to shine my light,

to tell others about You. 

Keep my heart troubled. 

And Lord, please open Junko's eyes

to see Your truth soon.

 Amen.