Some time ago, my wife and I were privileged to enjoy a most wonderful experience. We visited a beloved 92-year-old sister—now with the Lord—who was in a nursing home as a result of a stroke. Walking into her room, we saw her dear husband of over 60 years sitting beside her bed, holding her hand. He told us that he and his beloved wife had prayed many, many times that if it were the Lord’s will, their desire would be to remain together until He comes for His church. The present hope of the Lord’s coming was a very real and comforting truth not just an ecclesiastical theory to these two aged saints of God.
As we stood there, we realized in a new and deeper way the reality of the trials, uncertainties and fears that accompany that time of life referred to by some as the “golden years.” However, the peaceful faces of these two aged pilgrims as they passed through that time of deep trial gave abundant witness that, when walking by faith in the reality of the Lord Jesus’ love and presence, such times are indeed “golden years.” For these two dear ones the trial through which they passed was not able to stifle the comfort of His blessed presence. “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” We observed no evidence of sorrow, unhappiness or fear though surely had it been the Lord’s will to spare them this trial, they would have been thankful. Yet our visit proved to be a time when my wife and I found our hearts being greatly comforted, encouraged and strengthened through this quiet example of the reality of Christian faith.
Our sister’s gentle and peaceful countenance—absolutely devoid of impatience or anger at her condition or at those who were caring for her—was a joy to behold! Not once did we detect any look of discontent on the face of this dear one who had lost partial use of her limbs as well as her ability to speak. Nor did we hear her beloved husband utter one word of questioning of the ways of God in their lives. They both seemed to be confident that the One who had walked with them all their lives was fully sufficient for the trial through which they were presently passing. What a victory of faith!
Before we left, we asked our sister (who could understand what was said to her) if she would like to have us read some verses from the Bible. Her smiling face furnished an eloquent, affirmative answer. The Bible the guide and joy of her life was doing exactly what our blessed God has promised: giving her present peace and comfort. “That we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:44For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4)).
What a comfort that visit was to our hearts! We were privileged to witness a living example of the wonderful reality of the presence of the Lord Jesus who has said: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:2020Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:20)).
In his closing days, Mr. Darby said, “Christ is my object for life and my joy for eternity,” and at another time, “I can say, though in great feebleness, I have lived for Christ. In life it has been Christ. There is not a cloud between me and the Father.”
This, we believe is the secret of that peace and confidence those experience who pass through such trials in the evening of their lives. Christ is everything to them, and faith claims and enjoys His blessed promise in such times of affliction and weakness: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isa. 40:3131But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)).
What a heritage of faith our beloved elderly brethren leave us as we see them face trials and difficulties with such joy, peace and confidence. Let us not only earnestly pray for these dear aged saints let us heartily thank God for their testimony to us and seek grace to be followers of their faith!
Ed.