Proverbs 3:5–6

God never promised that life would always be smooth, but He has promised strength for each day.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5–6)

Last Sunday, the church shared the announcement of my retirement. Since then, I have received many calls and messages filled with care, encouragement, and love. Many of you shared how much you care for me and how difficult it is to imagine me retiring. I have been deeply touched and truly grateful for your kindness and affection. Some were surprised and said they did not expect me to retire so soon.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Prov 3:5–6)

Looking back, I thank the Lord for His grace and faithful protection. He has blessed me with good health, strength, and a love for exercise. During my ten years of ministry, I seldom needed to take sick leave. Even through the COVID season, despite a demanding schedule of hospital visits, funeral arrangements, worship services, and frequent contact with people, God graciously kept me from infection and sustained me with the strength needed for ministry. Perhaps there is some truth in saying that the more we serve the Lord, the younger we feel — and maybe even look!

Some people have told me that I always seem cheerful and smiling, whether in person or in photographs, as though life has been smooth and without many worries. But the truth is, I too have gone through struggles, disappointments, and painful seasons in life. I have experienced betrayal, misunderstanding, unfair judgement, hurtful words, loneliness, discouragement, and moments of deep loss. At times, I have wondered why life brings such challenges. The passing of my parents, first in March and then in September 2024, was an especially painful season for me. Yet, amid grief and a demanding season of ministry, the Lord reminded me to trust and obey Him. I thank God for the peace and strength He gave me, enabling me to continue serving faithfully and journeying alongside brothers and sisters as we carried out the ministries entrusted to us together.

Reflecting on the past decade, I am thankful for the habit of keeping a simple diary and ministry journal. Because we are often forgetful, these records have recently helped me look back and count God’s blessings throughout my years at Kum Yan. Ministry notes, monthly pastoral reports, and photographs from church events have brought back many precious memories, reminding me of God’s mercy, faithfulness, and abundant grace along the way. I thank the Lord for the many opportunities He has given me to serve and lead the Cantonese congregation in various ministries, conduct combined choirs for Kum Yan and the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC), coordinate virtual choirs and worship recordings, and participate in worship and music ministries across the church. Life has been busy, yet deeply meaningful and fulfilling. All of this has been grace, far more than I deserve.

One practice I have especially treasured is my morning routine of exercise, prayer, hymn singing, Bible reading, and devotion. These moments have become the most precious part of my day, my quiet time with the Lord who loves me. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, I spend time alone with Him, pour out my heart, worship and give thanks, and quietly listen for His voice. The secret to joy, strength, and renewed energy in the Lord is simple: bring everything to Jesus and trust that our Heavenly Father will care for you.

I am deeply thankful for the trust so many brothers and sisters have shown in sharing your life stories and struggles with me. Many situations have been difficult and hard to understand, and often I have not had answers to offer. What I could do was journey alongside you through prayer, encouragement, care, and support.

What does it mean to trust and obey? It is both a posture of the heart and a daily choice. Trust brings rest to the soul, while obedience is trust lived out through action. Together, they give us strength and peace. Trust and obedience are not signs of weakness or compromise. Rather, they reflect a deep confidence in God, even in seasons of uncertainty, hardship, disappointment, or challenge. They mean choosing to surrender ourselves fully to Him in our thoughts, words, and actions, and receiving from Him a peace that rises above circumstances, together with the courage to keep moving forward.

God never promised that life would always be smooth, but He has promised strength for each day. There are many things in life we cannot fully understand or control. What we can do is trust wholeheartedly in the Lord and remain faithful in serving Him. I believe God sees and knows all things. At times, life’s difficulties and setbacks become the very means through which He shapes us, deepens our wisdom, broadens our spiritual perspective, and strengthens our faith in Him.

I especially treasure these words by Charles Spurgeon: “God does not call us to understand. He asks us to trust Him.” May we allow God to reveal His sovereign will, wisdom, power, and abundant grace in our lives. As Scripture reminds us: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).

Dear brothers and sisters, I do not know what challenges or valleys you may be facing today, but our all-knowing and almighty God sees and understands. Acknowledge Him in all things. Draw near to Him, seek Him in quiet prayer, listen for His voice, and choose to trust and obey. The Lord will guide the path ahead and promises to walk with us every step of the way. Praise God, and thanks be to Him!