Around The Bend

Monday, March 27, 2023
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "God Will Take Care Of You"1 (Lyrics)

Years ago, Larry and I were chaperones on a teen trip that left us sleeping in many different abodes. If my memory serves me, we slept at a hostel, in beautiful college dorms on Lake Michigan, and in many campsites. But the most memorable place took us down a very long road late at night. Imagine our surprise when the lights of that old church bus flashed on rickety old cabins, when we had been promised luxurious accommodations. There was no electricity, running water, or bathrooms, and only mattresses on the floor to sleep on. We had no cell phone back then to call the owners to complain, and it was too far to get in the bus and escape this desolation, so we decided to stick it out. Some of the guys ended up in the kitchen sleeping anywhere they could throw their sleeping bags — including on the tables, The girls and I slept in the dilapidated old cabins, but there was no sleeping as we were not sure what might be crawling around on those old mattresses.

We were all glad to see morning come. While breakfast was being prepared over a campfire, some of the guys took a tour of our supposedly luxurious surroundings. They found a much-needed outhouse, but as they went further down the road, they found a beautiful new facility. We had spent a miserable night at the old one. We had stopped short of the new!

Isaiah 46:4 – I will be your God throughout your lifetime — until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. (NLT)

I thought of that experience as I read about a woman who was bemoaning her 50th birthday. May I just say that she is only a youngster. I have stuff in my refrigerator older than that, but I felt her pain. She wondered if that was the end for her. What could she do for the Lord at that ripe old age?

I have wondered the same thing. Like me, she could not see the new thing that God had in store for her. Right then, she was fumbling around in the dark, just seeing old ahead of her, but around the bend, God still had new plans for her if she would just be patient and not stop short. I see nothing in Scripture that says that we are washed up as we grow older. In fact, I see that God has used older people many times to do His work.

Ephesians 2:10 – For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (NLT)

I read a quote the other day: "In order to be old and wise you must first be young and stupid." Could it be that we who are older are called to show the way to those fumbling in the dark? How can we offer our wisdom and experiences to those around us and lead them to Christ?

Prayer: Lord, help us to wait on You, for You are never too late and never too soon. Thank You that You will be with us even in our old age. Amen.

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About the author:

Jeanie Nihiser <jnihiserj@gmail.com>
Cerro Gordo, Illinois, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Got away on me. Blessings.


    So true! Thanks for feedback! You have encouraged me today!


    Thanks for another encouraging message! Be blessed to be a blessing.


    Thank you, Jeanie, for this entertaining piece of wisdom for us old folks!


    I love your offering for the day.
    I am 93 and often do wonder.


    Thank you! This one’s a keeper!
    At 80 and in present difficulties, I need to read this.


    Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today.
    Blessings.


    Thank you, Jeanie, for your sharing of your trip! This is the encouragement I needed!


    Great camping story, good morning laugh! Thanks for your devotion.
    (Ontario)


    Jeanie – you have given a much-needed gift with your devotional. Thanks for bringing God’s word afresh to this septuagenarian.


    Thanks Jeanie!
    Question? Does that mean we Christians too often settle and accept low expectations of The Almighty?


    Great post, Jeanie! Not only had an important message but gave me a great laugh too. (As a retired teacher and principal, I could really picture those school bus lights on those rickety old cabins and that sinking feeling!) Thanks so much and God bless!


    Dear Jeanie,
    Merci for the analogy, pithy with wisdom. A conscientious reader, buffeted by peculiar circumstances, will glean particular nudges which influence thought and behaviour. “… and lead them to Christ.”


    Thank you for today’s message, I needed it, and it worked for me! I will be 93 this year, I had an annual dentist appointment today, and it is snowing heavily. I can still drive, but walking without help is difficult on icy parking lots. I now go in late April! God did look after me!
    (P.E.I.)


    Love that quote “in order to be old and wise you must first be young and stupid”. And yet young people often think their parents are stupid. It isn’t until they get a bit older that their parents suddenly become smart. I think it is about having the maturity to see the value in others and realizing you do not have all the answers. Thanks for your message.


    Greetings Jeanie and thank you for another of your special writings. That was quite the experience you had arriving at the wrong place at night but thankfully the Lord carried you through with no injuries. The Lord does have things happen at just the right time in our lives and is so deserving of our appreciation for His care.
    Blessings for sharing your memorable stories.


    Thank you for your devotional, “Around the Bend.” My husband and I had our first smile of the day thanks to you, and our first laugh as your story progressed. I think I’ll write the Isaiah verse on a recipe card and put it on the fridge. We are experiencing a burst of old age symptoms right now, and it is hard to get used to it. Everything from being empty nesters for the first time to a new hip to semi-retirement this winter. We are certainly old enough for these woes. God has blessed us well, and continues to bless us, just don’t ask us to kneel when we pray!


    Oh, Jeanie, I can almost hear the groans after spending such a rough night all those years ago.
    I can relate to your message too. I find myself thinking too much on what I can’t do instead of what I can do. Pain limits what I can do, but I try hard to not let it stop me from doing the things that I can do.
    Keep up your good work writing and stirring up good rather than negative thoughts.
    Blessings to you.
    (ON)


    Good morning, Jeanie,
    Well that is an interesting adventure your group had. I think I would have slept on the bus with the girls. It is interesting that now days anyone would think 50 years is old. They are so many examples of people much older who are active and contributing. I am surprised. Even the President of the USA is a good age.
    As you point out in the Bible many of the people God used were older and not perfect. It is true that sometimes our roles change and God has different plans for us. We need to be aware and willing to hear his guidance and wisdom, just as you no longer chaperone teenagers and now you write powerful devotionals that help others to keep our focus on the Lord. Blessings.


    Now in old age I have time to study God’s word, pray, and be grateful for the past, present, and hopeful for the future- all is good.

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