Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

 Last October, I went through a fairly rough season in terms of calling and vision. Being challenged and faced my first couple barriers. Around that time, I felt led to start a reading plan. I decided to attempt reading the entire Bible in one year.

Soon after that, I came across an emotional bump in November . The combination of disappointment, fear, loneliness, and sadness directed me to hours and days and nights of desperation. I decided to start 7 different devotionals on singleness in my Bible app. None of them had anything new for me... but rather, it was like taking a shower of God’s promises.

Then I studied like mad for the JLPT N2 exam. It wasn’t a healthy way to remove pain. The heart doesn’t work that way. Replacing pain with numbing busy work or studying is just prolonging the pain.

Fast forward to now. I’m still on track in my 365 Bible devotional (a true miracle for those who don’t know about me and reading in general). Not only so, I’m on the last few chapters of Joshua. Fascinating. I’m appalled at myself for taking Joshua 1:9 so lightly in the past. Reevaluating these words from the context of the book of Joshua changes everything.

Not that the problems are solved, but the courage that rushed through me and the extra new light really helps. New perspectives on the situations, more grace all around, a calm heart to reconsider options, and a boost of strength in Christ.




For the strength and courage is an outcome of God being with me. I focused so much on asking for tactics to fight the battles... meanwhile, I missed out on the most important part....being with God.

Where will this take me? 

Prayers, thoughts, updates for February 4, 2019:

-  Praises for a friend/younger brother figure who decided to come to Christ! Please pray for his heart as he prepares for his baptism.
-  Praises for passing JLPT N2!!!!! Please pray for good studying habits as I study for the final level, N1!
-  Praises for a really wonderful workplace where everyone works well together.
-  Pray for renewal of my VISA and passport to go smoothly this year!!!
-  Pray for my friend with mental illness to have the opportunities and options that will allow her to receive continual treatment and inner healing
-  Pray for my small group and that our time would be intentional and revealing things that God has to share.

Thanks friends :)