DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I feel so useless. I used to be very active in my church, but I'm old now and confined to an assisted living facility, and I can't do anything. Sometimes I can't see any reason for living, but I guess God doesn't see it that way or He'd take me to heaven.
-- R.M.
DEAR R.M.: You're right when you say God doesn't see your life the same way you do, because as long as we're on this earth, He has a purpose in keeping us here. God, the Bible reminds us, "holds in his hand your life and all your ways" (Daniel 5:23).
No, you can't do everything you once did; that's true for all of us as we grow older. But God knows this, and He doesn't expect us to do something that's simply no longer possible. Does this mean we can't do anything? Definitely not! I have no doubt that when I get to heaven, I'll discover that our ministry depended on a multitude of men and women -- many confined to a wheelchair or their bed -- who sustained us by their prayers.
Don't be a hostage to the past, and to your memories of what you once could do. Ask God how He wants you to serve Him right now. Are there people in your facility who are lonely or never have a visitor? Have some never heard that God loves them and wants to take them to heaven when they die? Be their friend and ask God to use you in their lives.
Then take time to enjoy God's presence every day. Delight in the good things He gives you; take comfort in the promises of His Word; touch others through your prayers. The Bible says, "Take delight in the Lord" (Psalm 37:4).
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at
billygraham.org
HomeStyle on 09/20/2014