They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing. – Psalm 92:14
No doubt many of us have heard someone make a statement such as, “I can’t do anything.” This is obviously an exaggerated comment, yet to the elderly, it is likely a way of saying, “I can no longer do what I used to do.” As this over-seventy writer knows, some adjustments will need to be made as we age, but there are still many things that can be accomplished. The motto in our church is “Pray, Preach, Publish.” We may think we cannot do all of these, but consider the following:
PRAY – Everyone can get involved in prayer. Because of our physical condition, we may not be able to kneel as others do, but surely the Lord looks on the heart and not necessarily the position we are in. In Luke 2:37, we read of Anna, the prophetess, who stayed in the temple and “served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” She was eighty-four years old. Many of us have heard ministers say that while they preached, they could feel the prayers of their congregation. Could it be that at times the minister’s message seemed to be rather incomplete or flat, because the congregation failed to pray for the meeting as they should?
PREACH – Many ministers, after reaching a certain age, relinquish their duties as far as preaching from the pulpit is concerned. But we find other definitions of preach when checking the dictionary: “To proclaim, to admonish, or to give moral or religious advice.” As Christians, certainly we can make ourselves available in any of these areas, regardless of age.
PUBLISH – Our church printing plant produces hundreds of thousands of Gospel tracts, as well as other literature. These printings will, of course, not do much good unless it is distributed. This is where we can help: wherever we go during the course of a day, we can offer a testimony or word of encouragement to those we meet.
When one means of ministry ends, the Lord has in mind another place for us to serve Him. He wants us to bring forth fruit our whole lives. What has He given us to do today?
Lord, Help me to continue to bring forth “good fruit” for your Kingdom at every stage of my life.