Living in the light of God
Living in the light of God
By Yvonne Lai
When I think of this subject, two hymns pop up in my mind. God’s way is the best way.
“God’s way is the best way, though I may not see it.
Why sorrows and trials often gather around me,
He is always seeking my gold to refine.
So, humbly I trust Him, my Saviour divine.
God’s way is the best way. I will trust Him always;
He knows best.”
When I was eighteen years old, I dedicated myself to the Lord during a devotional meeting. I wanted to walk with God like Enoch in the Old Testament. In the prayer I visualized myself like a little child, standing in front of the Lord, willing to be used by Him. I was nothing in front of my Mighty God. But I was sure He would use me if I committed my life to Him. With simple faith, I did so and submitted myself to His will. When I was twenty-two, God’s calling was once again upon me. Through my daily devotion one day, He called me to make a step of faith to offer myself to be a servant of God. I accepted this calling right away, like Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt in front of the Red Sea. He made a leap of faith to step into the Red Sea. God has accomplished great things through him.
Our God is a great God. He is faithful. He has lead me all these years. I married a pastor, and we have served faithfully together in churches since 1973. It pays to serve Jesus everyday. Many people get blessings from the Lord through our serving. In life, we face uncertainties, difficulties, and hardship. But nothing can separate us from the love of God. During the last thirty years of serving, God’s presence in me is constant. He strengthens me when I am weak. He comforts me when I’m hurt. He makes His face shine upon me.
After the birth of my second child, I became sick with rheumatoid arthritis, a disease that is chronic and crippling. The specialists told me that I would suffer “until the day I die.”
Who could I turn to? No one could help me. Not even my dear husband. “Turn your eye upon Jesus.” God used this hymn to remind me again to make another step of faith to trust him, he can “make me whole.” My younger son has grown up now. On his twenty-fifth birthday, I reflected on my journey accompanied with sickness. The disease has gradually taken away my independence. I went through ten joint replacements/operations. Hospitals had become my second home. But one thing in me was whole: my soul. There is no bitterness, no sorrow, no complaints, but there is praise. The Lord makes his face shine upon me. My heart is always filled with love, joy and peace. “Peace like a river filled my soul.”
“When peace like a river attends my way.
When sorrows like sea billows roll.
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say:
It is well with my soul.”
Romans 8:35
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?