For years, when asked my age, I would give the answer ending with the quip, “But in my brain, I’m 18!” Lately, I’ve finally admitted that my brain has perhaps aged – maybe it had matured to the 20s or 30s? In this season of Covid-19 and Stay-at-Home orders, however, I’ve been forced by governmental orders to admit that my body is not with my brain, no matter the state of my mental acuity. As a 68 year old, I am among those “seniors” now restricted to my house and dependent upon the kindness of family and friends.
The quietness of the house and social tightening has been somewhat welcome to this introvert, I must confess. It also focused my heart on the turmoil of the world and once more enlarged my vision beyond my narrow self-interests and filled schedule. So, what now, Lord? Where can I still be useful and fruitful? (2 Peter 1:8)
Even as hospitals appeal to retired healthcare workers to return, I know that my nursing skills are too sketchy to be of real help after years of disuse. Even the volunteering I regularly did is restricted to phone calls (that IS a challenge as one who doesn’t like telephoning) are no longer possible without ignoring the restriction orders.
So, when my quiet time took me to James 5, I was reminded of some of the strengths seniors have and in which we can grow stronger even in isolation:
“You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near…” (Verse 8)
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (Verse 16b)
I wondered what would happen if every Christ-following senior – even if only in the U.S., if only in Florida, in Bay Co. – all of us under stay at home orders increased in patience and stood firm in our walk with Christ. What if we began to be diligent in prayer, interceding in the quiet of our homes? Then, I thought, even if it were only a concerted effort of the seniors of City Church, what would our Lord accomplish as we bring the prayers of the saints before the throne of God? (Revelation 8:4)
I’m in. Who else will go with me?
By: Mary Smith