By Yoke Lee.
For the past week, I have had the privilege of staying with a delightful 86 years old lady in a self-contained unit within the compound of a retirement village. Ruth had been the absolute highlight of my week. We hit it right off. Despite having been down with a chest infection for most of my time with her, she had been such a source of encouragement, fun and laughter. Every night, I found myself looking forward to chats and laughs with Ruth.
Ruth is very much interested in what God is doing in the world through His people. She prays earnestly for them and looks forward to their news and updates. She has a particular interest in theological education, and she once supported a student at the George Whitfield College which has a strong affiliation with Moore. She is passionate about young people being trained up to reach the younger generation.
She has a fantastic sense of humour and regaled me with many funny stories. She told me of a friend of hers who went to Moore years ago. He prayed that he wouldn’t come last in Greek. Well, he came second last instead so he went and apologised to the person who came last! A favourite saying of hers is “If God can use a donkey, He can certainly use anyone.”
Throughout this week, we have had a lot of dealings with the older folks. We have found them immensely encouraging. Their stories are so enriching. These are saints who have been refined and shaped by God over many years and who have persevered for far longer than most of us. We have more than caught glimpses into the windows of their hopes and sure trust in a faithful God. Housed in frail bodies are an ever-increasing hope for a bright future.
I thank God for reminding me of the big picture by showing what it is to persevere to the winter of one’s life. When we view things from the end and keep the end in mind, somehow the things that this world offers become dross.
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