Not Quite Finished

I was just reading the story of Hezekiah in II Kings 20. He was a man, and a king, that was faithful to God for his whole life. He did a bumbling thing when he showed some people from Babylon all his kingdoms’ wealth, but that was after God sent Isaiah to inform him that he was going to die. “When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, “Remember, O Lord, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you.” Then he broke down and wept bitterly.” (NLT) Isaiah was walking away in the courtyard when God told him to go back and tell Hezekiah that he would give him 15 more years in his life.

Hardships and sufferings happen not because of what you’ve done but what God is doing in your life. It’s His plan. God uses these things to contour us, frame us, make us realize what his plan is and be a model for that plan. God is allowing my affliction and discomfort. He is not the one who is causing it. (That is the story of Job.) That takes time. He gave Hezekiah fifteen more years when he had been dependable and devoted to God for years and years. 

The story made me think of my own life. I’ve never wept bitterly as Hezekiah did. I’m 75 years old and 15 more years would put me to 90 years. What could I do for Him in those years? I don’t have a voice any more (I have one, but it’s befuddled and stupefied, and my wife is the only one that can interpret it) and I don’t know if I could serve him overseas again. Maybe translations on my phone would help me but I don’t know about that. With my PLS diagnosis I’m having to go to doctors every 3-6 months – but there are doctors overseas. Volunteering is another option for here in the States. There are lots of opportunities that I could do without my voice. And if I ever had a bad day, I could call in and another volunteer would take my place. Now, I’m contemplating writing another book. And my blogs…

In James 1 it says: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (NLT) In Isaiah 46 it says: “I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you.” (NLT) There, God is talking about the Israelites, but after Jesus, God is talking about us. I have white hair now and God is caring for me every day. The meds I am taking were making me tired and fatigued but now-a-days I am active and sprightly. I still have pain in my back and neck every day but I think my working out at the gym will lessen that. He made me and will care for me. 

So, pray for me and ask God to precisely and distinctly direct me to what he wants me to do in the years until I meet Him in heaven…Growing old may be the hardest of journeys. Our strength weakens, memories fade, and each day reminds us that time is transient. But I don’t have trepidation because when this earthly life is finished, eternal life begins, and I’ll finally see Jesus face to face.