But God (10)
They say that “old” is a relative term. “You are as old as you think you are.” Well, maybe, at some stages of life. But there comes a time when we can’t deny it any more. The sagging skin, the fading eyes, the aches and pains, and the general slowing down. They are all signs of old age.
But so what? When we look back, whether it is with regret, sorrow, or appreciation and joy, we can know that God makes all the difference. If He has been our Shepherd, our Savior, our Guide, our Redeemer, this life has not been in vain. Whether for a short time or a long lifetime, following Christ will lead us to a blessed eternity. Even the thief on the cross who believed was promised paradise. (You can read about it in Luke 23:39-43).
Now that I am old (yes, I really said those words) I think more about death. It’s kind of a mystery, but I don’t fear it. It’s exciting to believe the promises of God about eternal life and wonder what that will be like. How do we transition from this form of life to another? Will we have temporary bodies of some sort, or will we be spirits that hover in the heavens? The apostle Paul said: “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord“ (II Corinthians 5:8). Well, being with Him will be thrilling, don’t you think? I mean, that’s even better than streets of gold or pain free bodies.
When my seventeen year old sister died, heaven became very real to me. I knew she was there. But it made me ashamed that I had not sensed that same reality because Jesus was there. Now I have lots of loved ones in heaven, but it’s Jesus that I long to see the most. Do you have that blessed hope? Then the best is yet to come.
The Psalmist pointed the contrast between the end of the faithless and those who trust God. “No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them—the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough—so that they should live on forever and not see decay. …But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. (Psalm 49:7-9, 15, NIV).
“But God.” That’s the difference maker. I may die, but that’s not the end. My body may be buried, but my soul will live forever. I may suffer, but what is that in comparison to the pleasure of life in heaven? “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory’ ” (I Corinthians 15:54). Yay!!! What could be more exciting than that?
Other blogs in the “But God” series:
But God (1) | But God (2) | But God (3) | But God (4) | But God (5) | But God (6) | But God (7) | But God (8) | But God (9) | But God (10)
Thank you, Donna. I often speak of (and have the book out to share with a friend) Raymond Edman’s book, “But God.” Did your mother ever say to you, “No ifs, ands, or buts about it….”? It meant my defense that began with any of those three words was not going to fly. However (isn’t that just “but” all dressed up?) think about all the Bible verses that begin with one of those three words followed by “God” – “If God is for us…” (Romans 8:31). You have quietly reminded me that the uncertainty and doubt that stems from “if” and “but” in our daily conversations are quickly calmed when “If God” or “But God” is inserted instead. You have expressed my sentiments about this old age stage well. “But God….” Love you dearly.