I’m Still Here

This blog is written by Mark Morris.

Recently, I was doing research for a sermon that I was scheduled to deliver in a few days.

During my reading, I came across a statement that caught my attention. I don’t know who the author was, however, he paints a word picture of how I feel at the season of life that I am enjoying now.

Mark Morris, Author

He states , “The man who has gone through several decades of anxious and laborious activity may well enjoy a long evening of life when the burden is laid down and the sword is sheathed. The quieter service of the latter years of life seems a fitting prelude to the peaceful and untiring activities which constitute the rest of immortality.”

This was written over 150 years ago, however, I found solace in a couple of his statements.

Let me share with you how they spoke to me and my particular situation. I am younger than some and older than many, and I understand the part of his statement that talks about decades of anxious and laborious activity.

I have been in the ministry nearly 50 years. I have planted a church as well as pastoring a few others. I operated several successful businesses and have had my share of victories struggles and personal tragedies.

Now I am facing a few health issues, and my pastoral burden has been laid down. I no longer have the energy or the will to blaze another trail or to conquer another mountain. My sword has been sheathed. However, the writer mentions that there is a quieter service of the latter years of life.

I may not have the energy to charge another hilltop, but I can still successfully serve in the kingdom of God. My pastoring days may be over, but I can still preach with anointing and hopefully with wisdom.

My decades of “anxious and laborious activities”have given me the experience to become the type of helper in the ministry that is needed.

There is no more frustration over those who do not strive for perfection. I just want to extend mercy and grace, and a word of encouragement to those who need it.

I may not be able to start a work, but I can relieve some of the stress and the anxiety of those who are doing that work.

Yes, I am in my “evening of life” years but I refuse to do nothing. I will continue to study the word of the Lord and pray for those who still have their swords unsheathed.

By God’s grace, my evening years will find me faithful and willing to do all I can for the kingdom.

Many times in my life, Satan has tried to destroy me, however, I am still here!