“Thy will be done” can be a scary thing to offer up in prayer sometimes.  It is a complete surrender to God’s path, regardless of what it might mean for us or our loved ones.  The knowledge that God has used seemingly bad things that occur in the lives of people in order to manifest His love and power means that, as His instruments, we live with the possibility of losing that which we care about in order to glorify God.

When Roberta Stephens, missionary to Japan, discovered that she had cancer, she came to realize that God had a plan for her.  Although she had been in Japan for 30 years, she had never known a single woman to have developed cancer.  It turned out that the reason she had never experienced it was not because women don’t get cancer in Japan (actually, half the Japanese population will experience cancer at some point in their lifetime); rather, it is simply never spoken about.

In a culture that strives for perfection, a public weakness is considered taboo.  However, for those with the disease, conversations among themselves expressing experiences and anxieties were very common.  In the hospital, Roberta was able to engage with her fellow patients in a way that she never would have been able to out on the street.

Not only did her experience provide her with a new understanding for those suffering, she was also able to minister to her fellow patients who, due to the social taboo of this “secret” disease, had very few visitors.  By giving herself over to God’s will, Roberta was able to be the instrument of His love.

To support Roberta in her ministry in Japan, click here and scroll down until you find Roberta's name.