“We Lost Two Children. Where Was God Then?” 

Following up on the previous article, we asked Pastor Wayne about the spiritual needs of the Japanese people and how faith based on the Bible meets those needs.

Q. From your perspective, Pastor Wayne, how do you see the current situation of the Japanese people?

A. After World War II, Japan experienced astonishing economic growth and attained material wealth. Yet at the same time, spiritual needs have remained unfulfilled to this day. The unique cultural background of Japan makes these issues even more serious. Once someone fails, it is culturally very difficult to receive a second chance. Restarting after bankruptcy, a failed marriage, or an unsuccessful exam is seen as almost impossible. This has contributed to Japan’s high suicide rate.

Furthermore, while Japan’s education system is praised around the world for its high academic standards, it has also led to alienation, truancy, and social withdrawal (hikikomori). Those who fall outside of society live with a sense of emptiness and loneliness. Human beings naturally seek meaning and purpose in life, and feel a thirst in the heart that material things cannot satisfy. Questions like “Why am I alive?” and “What happens after death?” are often left unaddressed in Japan.

Q. Then, where can people find their spiritual needs met, and discover life’s purpose and inner peace?

A. The Bible gives a clear answer to these questions. Humanity’s greatest need is to be connected with our Creator. As that relationship with God deepens, a person can receive true peace and rest within. When this fundamental need is met, all secondary problems find their resolution.

The Bible says: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”(Matthew 6:33)

Q. Does having a connection with God mean that life will go smoothly?

A. Life brings many hardships to everyone. I am no exception, even as a pastor who loves God. But without God in one’s life, trials such as divorce or the untimely death of a loved one would be unbearable.

Jesus promises to be with those who believe in Him, even in times of trial, and at the end of life to bring them to Himself. By His own death and resurrection, Jesus proved that this promise is true. I have seen this reality in my own life. Let me share one experience.

About twenty years ago, while serving as a missionary in upstate New York, we were struck by a house fire late at night. Our house was completely destroyed. My wife and I managed to rescue our three children, but two of them died.

Where was God then? The day after the fire, a newspaper reporter came and asked my wife that very question. Her reply was: “It is not my place to tell God when He should intervene or when He should allow tragedy. But because our children believed in Jesus, I know we will see them again someday.”

At that moment we were deeply disappointed that God had not saved all of our children. But a few days later, our surviving eldest daughter saw a vision of her two sisters playing together. She saw a hand reaching down from heaven and heard a voice saying, “Now, girls, playtime is over.”

What exactly that meant, we do not yet know — but one day we will. Until then, we live with assurance through faith. Why? Because after His resurrection, Jesus was seen by hundreds of witnesses. His resurrection assures us of life after death, and gives us hope that we will be reunited with those we love.

As the Gospel of John says: “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30–31)

And in the years after the fire, God graciously gave us two more daughters.

If you too are facing difficulties or loneliness in life, I invite you to meet Jesus Christ.

Commentary: Rev. Stanley Wayne (Editing & Translation: Tomoko Sugawara)

Japanese American United Church
255 7th Ave, New York, NY 10001 USA
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The Japanese American United Church welcomes you! Worship every Sunday at 11 AM.

※ We are not affiliated with Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Unification Church, the Mormon Church, or any other cult groups.