Encouraging thought for the elderly Christian.
I have noticed over a lifetime of Christian service, many Christians that were once active and always a faithful part of the church, suddenly they begin to fade away in desire, faithfulness and in appearances – becoming someone you never knew existed. They are now absent when previously always present. Sadly, they seem to lack the same passion for God and the truth as they once enjoyed.
WHAT WILL I DO?
Contemplating that thought as I grow older, what will I do? We all think we know and then because of circumstances things turn out different than we thought. I have come to realize there is a reason that age changes people, and many do not understand when we see it in those we love. However, the change does not have to be a downward spiral.
As I get older, I know the stream of life behind me will soon be running out. And it will come to pass after a while that there’ll be nobody coming to me and asking my advice. The ones who I knew in my younger days will be gone, and my friends will get fewer, as I get older. That happens with all that live to an older age, in a culture that cultivates and amplifies youth. It doesn’t have to be all negative, as an older Christian, you can awake every morning, and say, “thank you LORD for giving me another day to serve you and to do something that benefit others.”
WILLIAM BRANHAM
William Branham as a prophet to this generation said the following as he saw himself growing old; “And I know that someday I’ve got to die. I hope that God never lets Satan crown me as an old crabbed, indifferent man, and my wife an old nagging woman, or your wife, or you that way. I pray, brother, that our lives will be crowned with the fruits of the Spirit; love, joy, longsuffering, gentleness, patience, Truth, faith, in the Holy Spirit.” – WMB
IT BECOMES EASIER TO COMPLAIN
As we grow older the reasons for complaining become greater. We suffer more, in terms of health and friends, and because we have more time to think – we remember more often those who have hurt us and turned against us, especially those we dearly loved. Your life does not have to be crowned with the wrong thoughts, and may we have the grace to never complain.
Our hair turns gray, or we lose it, shoulders that once could handle heavy loads are stooped and we become broke down in body. Life is running out and you become more brittle as you walk on, if you can walk at all. The songs you used to sing do not come out the same, and the things you loved doing are not as interesting as they once were. The young grandchildren you love now make grandpa and grandma nervous.
We stood a long time when others could not stand doing what God has called us to do, now it does not seem the same, and you feel as if you are not needed anymore.
FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A TIME AND SEASON
It is then we must have greater faith in God’s timing – The Bible tells us; To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven (Eccl 3:1). We must continue to believe that every season has purpose, even the ones that feel uncertain. It means continuing to pray, to love, and to serve, knowing that nothing is wasted in God’s plan.
It is at this season grace becomes more abundant. Through patience, service, and trust, elderly Christian can live out their faith as a shining example to others, showing that the journey with God does not end with age. It continues, brighter and fuller, guided always by His eternal love.
Even though we feel alone in ways that others do not understand – there is ONE who understands us and regardless of our age or lack of memory, He will give us His undivided attention while we visit together.
The Christian author C. S. Lewis put it this way; “God has infinite attention to spare for each one of us. You are as much alone with him as if you were the only being he had ever created.”
THE GOLDEN YEARS
If I understand the Christian way, then our golden years can be golden – the best. Not in strength, numbers or the amount we do, but in quality, something we did not have as younger Christians. He giveth more grace…(James 4:6) at a time when we need it, and we are more able to properly share the grace given, in ways we could never have before. We do not have the incentives and there is nothing else to prove in this mortal life, therefore we can more easily enjoy what we do without the added pressures of life which we had when we were younger.
Please share this with someone that needs it more than you.
Pastor Bill Ivy, Living Word Tabernacle – Campbell MO USA