My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my
heart and my portion forever. - Psalm 73:26
A woman in her eighties was bedridden in a nursing home. When a preacher came to visit
her, she asked him the same question she had asked of other preachers: "Why am I
here like this? I've been a Christian for years and have always served God. I taught
Sunday school, sang in the choir, and brought up my children as Christians. Now look at
me. Can you tell me why I'm here like this?" To her surprise, he answered, "Yes,
I can." "Then tell me," she begged. He took her hand and said
gently, "Old age."
I knew a Christian woman who also lived in a nursing home but accepted her old age.
Although she experienced pain and weakness, she said, "In this corner I work for the
Lord - and the Lord works on me!"
Psalm 71 tells us that there is still work to be done for God, even when health and
strength fail. "I will hope continually" (v.14). "My mouth shall
tell of Your righteousness" (v.15). "O God, You have taught me from my
youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works" (v.17).
And when your work on earth is done - what then? "You will guide me . . . and
afterward receive me to glory" (73:24). Whatever your age, condition, or
circumstances, if you're a Christian, the hope of heaven is yours!
-JEY
Though faltering step and failing sight
Reveal that life's a fading page,
Christ's precious image that we bear
Can never be erased by age.
-D. De Haan
As the years add up, God's faithfulness multiplies.