Life-Long Impact

I have been impressed with how godly elderly individuals in the Bible listened to God, obediently responded, accepted difficult challenges, and had a godly impact on others.  For example, the Bible says, “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you’ … So Abram left, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him.  Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran” (Genesis 12:1, 4).

Notice these things about Abram:

1)    Leaving.  “Leave your country … so Abram left.”  In those days people traveling across country were in grave danger because they became prime objects for invaders.  Without extended family support, evil aggressors would lie in wait to cause them harm, steal their possessions, or commit murder.

2)    Going.  “Go to the land I will show you.”  To “go” was the command God gave which needed Abram’s willingness and obedience.  He was to leave his country, put himself in a vulnerable situation, completely trust in God to keep all of his family safe along the way, and travel to an unknown land.

3)    Aging.  “Abram was seventy-five years old.”  You would think that a strong young man, rather than an older gentleman, would have been preferred to take on such an important and strategic task. However, the issue for God was spiritual strength. Willingness to trust God, to be obedient, and to show maturity were the factors that were more important to God than age.

Abram’s willingness to obey resulted in God’s special blessings as noted in Genesis 12.  God would bless him with: (1) A Nation.  Abram would be given many descendants; (2) A Land.  Abram and his descendants would have a country to possess; (3) Abram Blessed.  God would abundantly provide favor and protection for Abram; and (4) Nations Blessed.  God would extend his favor and blessing to
others.

The message for you and me might well be that God would like to use us – whatever our age, even in our retirement years.  Think what would happen if we could communicate this same message to senior adults in our churches, senior living facilities, and our communities.  We could be a mighty army accomplishing great things for God.  Let’s remember that God’s work is always carried out by obedient people, no matter what their age or stage of life.  All of us should prepare to make a life-long impact for God.

What You Say

Have you ever had one of those moments when you think, “Wow!  I didn’t realize that what I said made that much difference”?  It happened to me some time ago.  I received a telephone call from a man whom I had only talked with briefly one time in the past.  He worked in elderly care, as I did, lived in another state, and was not part the organization for which I worked.  Near the end of our telephone conversation he said, “Before we hang up I just want you to know what an impact you have had on my ministry.”  I began to listen wondering what I had said or done that had made a difference. He went on to remind me that our previous conversation I mentioned a friend in a similar ministry whom I felt may be of help to him.  After returning home he called my friend and talked for nearly an hour.  He went on to say, “If it wasn’t for your comment I would have never made the contact and been helped in my ministry. Thank you for that contact.”  After the call ended I reflected on our conversation.  His comment reminded me of a truth I have known for a long time – and that is, what we say does make a difference.  The Bible says, “Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out” (Colossians 4:6, Message Translation).  God can use us (even our speech) for His glory.  Remember: What you say – does make a difference.