Faith and Birthday Reminders

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the works of your hands.Psalm 138:8 ESV.

I turned 76 a few days ago. It is a big number to many, but having two siblings in their 90s, I’m still trying to “grow up”! My body reminds me that I am not as young as my spirit and soul think I am. But this year I spent the morning of my birthday evaluating things in my life.

It is good to remember God knows my age! He scheduled my birth (ours in my case, I’m a triplet!) You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:16. NLT.

He wants to use the 7 decades I have been alive for His glory. He knows what life lessons I have learned (both the easy and the hard way!). All the historical changes that have happened in my life time have impacted me. I remember as a young child hearing about cancer and the fear it brought. No stores were open on Sunday due to the “blue” laws and it was really a day of rest. I remember the night, as a 9 year old, laying in bed asking Jesus to come into my life and be my Savior.

The 60s brought more cultural changes, including the Vietnam War with so many of our high school classmates having to sign up for the draft. My next step included the University of Washington. I lived through campus protests with armed police arresting students who barricaded themselves in a building. I remember the Civil Rights debates, and feeling puzzled at first why Rosa Parks couldn’t sit where she wanted to on the bus. Growing up in Washington state, I learned how ignorant I was. But through it all, God’s faithfulness was evident.

I followed Him as best I could in high school via youth group and my own attempt at having a “quiet time”. My father always had “Voice” magazines in his car–which had testimonies of God’s power in everyday people’s life. I grew hungry for that type of experience. My sophomore year at the UW I met some spirit filled believers. I had an encounter with the Holy Spirit, and I was changed. This was during the Jesus People Era, and change happened in so many ways. Hymnals gave ways to overhead projectors and new songs! Many of the new songs were straight from the scriptures–so we learned a lot. Pianos and organs were replaced with guitars and “worship bands” were created. It took place with much controversy.

Church attire also began to change. I remember wearing jeans to a Friday night service and feeling so free! This was also very controversial. So many changes, but God was moving in some marvelous ways. Hunger for the Word, fellowship and ministry was growing in many many denominations. The walls of separation between churches began to lower and cross fellowship began to take place. Believers began to understand the importance of both praise and worship. The person hood of Jesus began to be emphasized, then the Holy Spirit. Later on, an emphasis on the importance of faith, healing and the power of God began to be taught as well.

As I remember these changes, I am reminded He is not done. All these changes brought challenges. New things are coming, I am sure. I pray I will be open to any new move He wants to bring. In the meantime, I will continue to trust Him. My grandchildren will have their own stories to tell. Some of them were changed and challenged with the Covid pandemic. They don’t remember life without computers or handheld phones. They don’t hide under their desks as we were taught to do in case of a nuclear attack. Instead, they have lockdown practice in case of school shootings. Mental health issues, gender identity, and addictions are things they must navigate. But God has a way and they were born for such a time as this.

As long as I am here, I want to fulfill my gifts and callings. I want to demonstrate to them God’s ability to answer prayer and bring them through their own struggles. It is my prayer that Job 12:12 comes true for me. Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? NIV. My pantry of life lessons are filled with God’s grace, mercy and God stories that I pray will touch others, how about you? Unless we share them, they will stay hidden.

Father, help me remember all the changes that have taken place in my lifetime. I am so grateful for my season of life, and the hope it gives me that you will help my children and grandchildren navigate their season as well. You are so very faithful, and we can trust you. In Jesus’ name, amen.