"They Still Bear Fruit In Old Age"

"The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him." Psalm 92:12-15 I love this scripture! What a promise!! No matter our age, the Lord has a plan for us and a purpose! I used to listen to a minister on a regular basis. He was a wonderful person and good minister, don't get me wrong, but he always stayed focused on only what the youth were about to "explode" and do. Now, I believe with all of my heart our youth are an important age group and will play a phenmomenal role in winning souls to Christ in the last days, BUT those of us that are 50+ aren't dead yet!! In fact Titus 2 instructs that the younger women to give great attention to the older women because they have much wisdom to share. When I was a little girl I had an older cousin. He had children my age. I didn't know him well because he didn't attend church regularly like his wife so I knew her better than I knew him. When I was a young person it was very rude to call a person who was older than you by their first name. You had to preface it with Mr. or Mrs. if they weren't related to you, and if they were, they were automatically "Aunt" or "Uncle" so and so even if they were your third cousin. My cousin passed away over 30 years ago but his widow is still living. She attends the church my husband and I attend and is a very Godly woman! She has taught Sunday School for a number of years and has a very loving and gentle spirit about her. Not long ago she was diagnosed with a serious illness and had to undergo vigorous treatment for it. At one point they were not sure she was even going to survive. She was in the Intensive Care Unit of a local hospital, her conditon had become so grave. My pastors were having to leave town and my pastor's wife asked if I would go and pray for this precious lady. Of course, I wanted to go and I did. As I entered her room she reached her hand out to me. Her family was with her and I could see the heartwrenching pain on their faces. On her face, I saw peace and confidence in God! Just looking at her was a blessing for me that day and an unspoken lesson for me to hold onto in the years to come!! I took her hand and told her I wanted to pray for her and, even in that condition, she was ready to latch on in faith KNOWING God was going to move on her behalf!! Tonight, there she was at church. On the front pew, in her place with her husband. I looked at her and thought what a testimony she is to so many of God's goodness and His integrity! I went to hug her and she said to me, "You came to see me when I was in the hospital. I am still a little tired and I want you to pray for me again." We grasped hands and prayed and as we did the scripture came to me that says, " And when you are old and gray I will still be your God!" Just because we age does not change what God has said about us when we were young! We don't ever have to slow down in this race that has been set before us! You never retire from doing the work of God. I said, "You know, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if you aren't up and teaching your Sunday School class again soon!" Her eyes twinkled and she replied, "I can see myself there Sunday!!" What beautiful and glorious faith!! I can see it, too!! Even in her eighties she still bears the fruit of love, joy, peace and is still stirring up the gift within herself and others! What an example to follow! You are valuable to God, my friend, no matter what age you may be. God will never "shelve" you! There is always someone to touch with His love, His promises of fulfillment and blessing! We are ever blooming for Him and our youth is renewed like the eagles. Appreciate those around you, especially the more mature ones. From them there is so much to glean! God bless you richly and have a blessed day, all day!!