I work with a ministry that provides chapel services for seniors, aged 55 and older, who come to Arizona's White Mountains to escape the summer heat and who live in one of five recreational vehicle parks. Last week, I visited one of our five chapels, where the pastor preached on Moses' life.

Exodus 7:7 – Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh. (NIV)

Moses would have fit right in with our ministry!

Deuteronomy 34:7 – Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. (NIV)

He continued to serve, leading the often-cranky Israelites in the wilderness for forty long and weary years.

Over the years, our pastors' ages have ranged from the 60s to almost 90. One year, we had a retired missionary who started working with us at 88. Our director is in her 80s. She retired this year after 27 years in this ministry. They are all wonderful examples of people who "will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green." (Psalm 92:14 NIV)

After my husband died, I prayed for a ministry. I teach Bible studies and play the piano, but I wanted something more official. I applied to a state-wide Christian volunteer agency and attended their annual training. At the end of one of the sessions, the Ministry Director pulled me aside. "Sharon, I'm retiring, and I want you to take my place." God gave me a perfect match: I live in the community, I've been part of that ministry for ten years, and I'm known for my organizational skills. I trained with her this summer and am now the Director. God answers the desires of our heart when they are in line with His purpose.

I am now 75 — three-quarters of a century! How can I be that old? But here I am, one of God's senior saints, continuing in His service as long as He allows. I doubt that He'll extend my life to 120 years, but I hope that I will continue to "bear fruit" and "stay fresh and green" until the Lord calls me home.

The Bible has a great deal to say about old age, grey hair, and the wisdom that we have accumulated. There are countless examples of men and women who served Him as "senior saints" — Noah, Abraham, and Sarah in the Old Testament, and Elizabeth and Anna in the New Testament, just to name a few. I pray that each of us, as we age, will continue to find ways to serve the Lord. As our Director always said, "There's nothing in the Bible about retirement."

Prayer: Lord, we want to continue serving You with the talents that You have given us as long as we are able. Continue to give us strength and wisdom to do so. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Cook <craftercook@gmail.com>
Apache Junction, Arizona, USA
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