Sojourning On Earth
We are just sojourners on this earth, aren’t we? What has been your experience since you became a sold-out, born-again Christian? Some great happenings? Some big disappointments? Of course, both. But that’s life! What a journey it has been! And continues to be.
Do you think you might just allow someone new to share your journey with you? Have you considered letting someone of the older generation into your life—to sojourn with you?
There are 54 million people in our nation who are 65 and older. And almost 15 million of them are widows and widowers, according to latest data.1 What a rich deposit of talent and skill many of those “mature citizens” have that they could share with younger ones. Many still have much to impart to others. Many are in good health and ready to share out of their experiences.
One day after I reached “senior citizen age” I went to a new doctor and asked if he could help me with a health issue. After some tests, he studied the results on a chart. Through piercing eyes, he asked me a pointed question.
“What? Do you want to live forever?”
“I have not finished my race yet,” I answered him.
“Well, no one has ever told me that,” he replied.
“I am telling you then.”
I have since told a few more doctors the same thing. No, I have not finished my race yet. Yes, I know I will not live forever on earth. But I will in heaven. Today I am still alive! On earth. And so are you!
The Bible highlights journeys of great younger ones who were strongly influenced by a godly older mentor. Joshua learned his leadership roles by following Moses. Elisha gained from the prophet Elijah. Esther listened and obeyed her elder relative Mordecai, which saved the lives of thousands of Jews. Timothy became Paul’s spiritual son. And on it goes.
So, couldn’t we be open to ask a more mature Christian to help guide us on our life’s journey? To serve the Lord even more effectively? I am an advocate of inviting older ones into our life because it worked so great for me. Mary Jo, Margaret, Dot, Pastor Peter Lord, and other seniors contributed personally to my Christian growth when I was young. I gladly invited them to do so.
Look around you. There is possibly a man or woman in their sunset years who would be happy to offer you some down-to-earth common-sense advice. Or even just pray for your family on a regular basis—in their own prayer closet.
And it just might make your sojourn on earth—this temporary stay– much more interesting, rewarding and memorable!
Prayer: Father, may I finish well Your plan and intention for me and stay willing for others to help me accomplish it. I thank You in advance. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Scriptures: Direct me, Yahweh, throughout my journey so I can experience your plans for my life. Reveal the life-paths that are pleasing to you. (Psalm 25:4 TPT)
Hear my prayer, O Lord, and listen to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears; For I am Your temporary guest, A sojourner like all my fathers. (Psalm 39:12 AMP)
They will live long lives, like age-old trees, and my chosen ones will enjoy to the fullest the work of their hands throughout their lives. (Isaiah 65:20 TPT)
Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? (Job 12:12 NIV)
Excerpts from my book Cast Your Shadow: Influence On Purpose. Available Amazon.
1. www: census.gov>topic>population
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