I love the verse in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future."
At any age we can have hope if we are resting in the Lord. About 13 years ago, John and I met a wonderful family when we lived up in Boston. They were Brazilian and working temporarily in the U.S. to get on their feet financially, move back to Brazil and get on with their lives.
They relied on hand-me-down clothing for their children. Their furniture came from sidewalk donations that would eventually be picked up by the bulk trash truck. They spent frugally and the father worked as many jobs as possible to save up money as well as provide for their family of four, which became five by the time they moved back to Brazil.
One night we went over for dinner and they had served up a feast. Their home was cozy and their hospitable attitude overpowered any sense of lack that they had; we were in the presence of royalty and they treated us royally. We laughed at funny stories, talked of sober matters that though weighty, were filled with purpose and infused energy into our lives.
One of the stories the man told was that of his faithful Christian father who suffered from cancer for many years without good healthcare. This man said that he asked his father if he was ready to go on to his next life, and the man's father replied, "God will take me when He's ready. Meanwhile He must have more work for me to do here, so I will do it."
I think on this good Christian man's courage with little to show for his life on earth, but a bounty of spiritual crowns he accumulated before his death, according to our friend. Spiritual crowns that were laid at His Master's feet when he passed through to the other side, and as he entered those gates, he must have lept for joy in a spiritually perfect state to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
It's not over until it's over. There's always more work to do...
