Reflecting on Challenging Times When Faith Was Tried
Honoring Legacy |
You have lived a long life. Faith goes beyond mere ideas—it is demonstrated in the face of real-life difficulties.
Perhaps you lost a job years ago and did not know how to buy food. Each night, you hoped and prayed that the missing child would be found. You received a difficult medical report or lost someone you loved.
When you look back now, you can see things you could not see then. You can see that God was there. You survived, and your faith stayed strong even when life was extremely hard.
A Story from a Care Home: Martha’s Window
Sometimes, the hardest “test” of faith happens later in life when we move into a care community.
Consider Martha, who lives in Long-Term Care. For 50 years, Martha was the one who helped everyone else. She cooked meals, volunteered at church, and ran a busy home. But after a stroke, her world changed. Now, she relies on others to help her dress and eat.
At first, Martha felt her “season of usefulness” was over. She asked God, “Why am I still here if I can’t do anything for You?”
But Martha decided to use her window. Every morning, she sits by the window in her room. As staff members walk by or she sees other residents in the courtyard, she prays for them by name. When a young nurse’s aide comes in looking tired, Martha shares a small truth: “I have walked through many storms, and God was faithful in every one. He will be faithful to you today, too.”
Martha’s body is tired, but her faith is a light for the whole floor. She realized that faith is not about what you can do for God, but about trusting who God is.
Don’t Hide the Hard Parts
People younger than you do not need to hear that you were perfect. They need to hear that you had doubts, but God was big enough to handle your questions. They need to hear that even when things did not end perfectly, you are still standing.
- Job questioned God, and God met him in his pain.
- David wrote prayers when he was angry, and God listened.
- Peter failed Jesus, but Jesus still loved him.
What the Hard Times Taught You
Think about your most difficult season. What did you learn?
- God is faithful, even when we don’t get what we want. Sometimes we pray for healing, but the person dies. Psalm 84:11 says God does not withhold “any good thing.” You learned that “good” means what God sees from heaven, not just what makes us comfortable today.
- Faith is doing the right thing, even when you are afraid. You were scared, but you kept going. Joshua 1:9 says, “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you.” God is with you while you feel afraid.
- We need other people. In a care community, we learn this every day. Letting others help us is an act of faith. As Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one.”
- God’s presence is enough. There are nights when it is quiet in your room, and you feel alone. In those moments, you find the reality of Psalm 73:26: “God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
5 Things the Next Generation Needs to Hear
- It is okay to have questions. Doubt does not mean you have lost your faith.
- A “No” from God is not a lack of love. 3. You won’t understand “Why” right away. It takes time to see God’s plan.
- The hard season will change. Winter does not last forever.
- God wastes nothing. Every tear is important to Him.
How to Share Your Legacy
- Tell your story to the staff. Your nurses and aides, and yes, even volunteers, are often facing their own hard seasons. Your words of hope are a gift to them.
- Pray for your neighbors. Use your time to lift up those living in the rooms around you.
- Be honest. When someone asks how you are, it is okay to say, “It is a hard day, but I know God is with me.”
This Week: Think about Martha. Even if your world feels smaller today, your faith is still powerful. Who can you encourage with a story of God’s faithfulness this week?
Scripture: Job 42:1-6 | Psalm 84:11 | Joshua 1:9 | Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 | Psalm 73:25-26 | 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 | Deuteronomy 8:2
Further Reading:
- Elliot, Elisabeth. Through Gates of Splendor
- Tada, Joni Eareckson. A Place of Healing
- Yancey, Philip. Where Is God When It Hurts? View on Amazon
Prayer Card
A Daily Reminder of God’s Faithfulness
The Truth for Today: Even if my world feels smaller, my God is still great. My hands may be tired, but my prayers are powerful. My body may be weak, but my testimony is a light to this home.
A Prayer to Say: “Lord, thank You for being with me in every season of my life. You were faithful when I was young, and You are faithful now. Help me see the people who walk past my door today. Give me a word of hope for the tired heart and a prayer for the one who is struggling. My life is still in Your hands, and Your presence is all I need.”
A Promise to Hold:
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” — Psalm 73:26
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