Fear, Faith, and Common Sense – Don’t Be Afraid Part 3

Scripture: Psalm 71:9,17-18

9 And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing. 17 O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. 18 Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me. (Psalm 71:9, 17-18 NLT)

These verses are very special to Jean and me. God gave those words to us years ago to reassure us that he would care for us and give us purpose even into our old age. We still believe that’s true for us. And it’s true for you!

When the Holy Spirit first inspired me that these verses and the promise they contained had specific and personal application to us, we were in our late 50’s. The most exciting and satisfying season of ministry we had ever experienced (except for all the others!), an eight-year season of establishing the Bible Training Centres in the UK and beginning to spread our training concept and the curricula we had developed in several countries in Africa, was just coming to an end.

The future was unknown to us. We were moving back to the US after nearly two decades of living and serving overseas, and we couldn’t really imagine what we could do that would give us the satisfaction and sense of “success” we had been experiencing. We also couldn’t imagine how God would provide for our needs, keep us healthy and strong, and prepare us for the latter years of our lives.

But God could imagine it! God connected us with a ministry opportunity in a local church in Oregon, lead us through experiences and challenges that taught us so much, and opened to us a whole new season of ministry in a large local church, as well as ministry to a district of 43 smaller churches in the region where we lived! Amazing!

Now we’re in our 80’s, we’ve experienced a couple of decades of life and ministry we didn’t imagine, and God has given us a home among family and friends for the season of our “old age”! As we face health challenges, God provides health care and necessary finances. As we find our strength waning, God provides help and encouragement. So this is me, friends, telling you “Don’t Be Afraid!” If you can’t imagine how God will do it, don’t worry. God can imagine his promises fulfilled to you and in you! Take heart!

Prayer:

Father, Fill our minds with wisdom and our hearts with faith! And please grow our imaginations! We trust you! Amen!