Alive..........and still Alive

I recently attended a revival meeting in Greensboro, NC.  The rejoicing of the aged folks that were in attendance made such a deep impression upon me; some of whom were afflicted with one or more diseases.  Though they all most likely contend with: lack of sleep, arthritis, poor balance, general aching, slow movement, etc.; these men and women, those who have every excuse to be: grumpy, disheartened, jaded, and absent for service; these men and women were singing God’s praises, walking the isle, sanctioning the preaching.  They were on time, involved, and testifying to those coming behind that serving God is the best thing in life.  It reminded me of Caleb’s testimony in the 14^th chapter of Joshua:

“And now, behold, the Lord hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the Lord spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old.   As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.” – Joshua 14: 10 & 11

While observing the elders of my church, up in years, weak in body, but mighty in spirit; tears filled my eyes.  A potent feeling of joy arrested my soul, because here these men and women were with a spiritual strength now, to war a good war for God, the same as was their spiritual strength as when they started the race.  The body may be decaying but the fire that burns on the inside was as bright as ever.  Through all the trials and tribulations, all the sickness and heartache; rain or shine, hill or valley; they raised their hands high with a testimony that “the Lord hath kept me alive.”  He kept them alive not just in body, but in SPIRIT.  They are ever so alive in God.  Now in the latter days of their time, and with “life’s evening sun sinking low”, they walk to and fro in the tabernacle singing with all their might

“My heart can sing when I pause to remember

A heartache here is but a stepping stone

Along a trail that's winding always upward,

This troubled world is not my final home.

Chorus

But until then my heart will go on singing,

Until then with joy I'll carry on,

Until the day my eyes behold the city,

Until the day God calls me home.”

What a picture to post in your mind.  What a testimony of the goodness of God.  That he can keep you alive, and moreover, he can give you the testimony that no matter how many years you find yourself in the service of God you can say: “As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.”

“God can supply all your needs according to his riches in glory.” (Philippians 4:19)  Salvation through Sanctification is a victorious life!  Not just at the point of being saved, but fifty years down the road…….It is still a victorious life!  I am glad that Jesus came and died for a salvation that gives victory up to the last breath.  As long as we abide in him, he will abide in us and keep us alive.      

      

Questions, Comments, Thoughts, are welcomed: please reply to pgcollins65@gmail.com