Sheldon Bass, a guest post.

Sheldon Bass and I became friends through FaithWriters, a naitonal Christian writer's organization of which we are members. Sheldon is a minister working with an inner-city mission church in Indiana. He is the author of the devotional book MEET HIM on the MOUNTAIN.
http://www.xulonpress.com/bookstore/bookdetail.php?PB_ISBN=9781498401906&HC_ISBN=

GOLDEN SERVICE

Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; I will bear you and I will deliver you. (Isaiah 46:4 NASB)

Sometimes it’s difficult to accept the changing seasons of our earthly lives. Entering those golden senior years—our bodies may not be able to do the things they once did. We might have to serve the Lord in a different capacity than before. Aches and pains intensify and become more frequent, our memories grow weaker and our mobility limited, among other troublesome problems. Yet there are wonderful benefits that go along with our final season of life on earth, too.

Transitioning from a hands-on type of service for God to a less prominent position has no bearing on the importance of what God has for each of us to accomplish. The names of “Simeon” and “Anna” have been passed down through Christendom as being two mighty servants of the Most High (Luke 2). It wasn’t the work of their younger days which marks their memorial. It was their patient endurance and faithful service in the later season of their lives which sparks within us the desire to remain the kind of people God can use. Even in old age God can utilize us in mighty ways for His glory and grand purposes.

Leaving behind a good example of Christian love and diligent service that will last long after our physical death is a powerful legacy and witness for the gospel of Christ.

An elderly widow at my church, whom we call “Grandma Nancy” is one of our most beloved and respected members. When glaucoma weakened her eyes and additional health problems surfaced she could no longer print the newsletters for the church. Neither was she able to continue teaching children’s classes.

Grandma Nancy had difficulty accepting her plight and began feeling like a worthless old soul. But God was already employing that wonderful Christian woman in her most influential role yet. She’s like a strong anchor for the entire congregation, serving as a model for good Christian disciplines. Each Sunday, a long line forms to get a hug from everyone’s favorite Grandma. We look forward to that hug, which serves as a powerful reassurance that each one of us are loved, needed and appreciated.

Nancy now heads up our telephone prayer line, keeping the entire congregation up to date on the needs of each member. What a mighty prayer warrior she’s turned into! To us, Grandma Nancy is one of our most treasured members. Her legacy of loving service and commitment to the Lord will always be with us.

Because of our faith in Christ we don’t have to fear growing old. God will keep us relevant and occupied with useful service, until the day He takes us home. Isn’t it just like our Lord to do that? He thinks of every need we could ever have.