The darkness of Ho Chi Minh City can be difficult to bear. It is exhaustive and has the potential to be depressing. But, in the midst of this, I am reminded of a truth that I learned about 3 years ago when my sister, Karen, passed away.
Monday, September 22, will mark 3 years since she went to be with Jesus. The verse the Lord gave me during that time was, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” What an odd verse for the Lord to give me in a time of great sorrow. When my sister passed away, it was very hard for my family and me. It is hard to lose someone suddenly, especially a sibling or son/daughter. Even though my sister had been in a wheelchair her whole life, she had not been in the hospital in recent years and her passing was unexpected. But, even in that, the Lord reminded me that I was to REJOICE and BE GLAD! Why? Because He has already overcome death! We have the victory! Even the day my sister passed away was a day He had created for us to rejoice and be glad in Him. We can rejoice and be glad that Jesus died for us on the cross and suffered terribly so that my sister could WALK through the gates of heaven!
So, as I walk around and pray for Vietnam, I am reminded again of the hope I have in Christ, and how much JOY that brings to my soul. Yes, I am broken for the lost and I weep for them, but in the midst of great sadness, my heart overflows with joy. I cannot help but be thankful that my joy is full and complete in the Lord. I am not afraid. I am fully alive and God has satisfied my soul.
Give thanks to the Lord for HE IS GOOD, His love endures forever!
My family in 2004, 1 year before Karen passed away. (Karen is on the right)
