Tuesday, March 18, 2008

THE NEXT 20 YEARS

Now that is quite an interesting thought, THE NEXT TWENTY YEARS, coming from this 70 year old wife, mother, grandmother and most importantly Child of God.


Most people reflecting on the next 20 years do so at a much younger age. I have posted about my viewpoint and outlook on aging here on a post entitled In This Skin.


I am proud of my age.....I am proud of my gray hair.....even the Bible says "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness." Proverbs 16:31 Mine is found in the way of righteousness, not because of me, but because of My Jesus who is My Lord and purchased that right standing for me. This truth is especially poignant as we celebrate the week between Palm Sunday and Easter.


If you read my "About Me", on my sidebar, you will note that I stated there, when I began this blog 14+ months ago, that I expected to live to be 120 years of age, unless the rapture takes me sooner.


God did not even begin to use Moses until he was 80 years old, and after he had spent 40 years in the wilderness serving his father-in-law and learning what God wanted to teach him.


Caleb at the age of 85 said "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 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. Now therefore give me this mountain," Josuha 14:10-12a


On September 19, 2004 a prophesy was spoken over my husband and I. It began: You're never too old", says the Spirit of God. "You're never too young. I'll never set a novice in an office and you're not novices. You've been in my presence for years and years and you know my voice well. You know my spirit well and you've conversed, one to another, about things of my spirit. You've talked and you've desired a greater walk, and you've desired a greater thing than what you have had in recent days. And you've followed my leading, you've obeyed my spirit and I've brought you to this place. And again, you desired more, and you desired more, and you desired more, and I've been faithful to you" says the Spirit of God "and I've given you more. I've given you more because you're faithful in that which you had, and it's required that a man and a woman be found faithful before they'll receive any more." There was a lot more to this. We began walking this out when this was given 3 1/2 years ago and know that God still has plans and purposes that we are being used for and I see the continuation of that for THE NEXT TWENTY YEARS, and beyond.


What I know for sure is that my life, the very next beat of my heart, the very next breath of air in my lungs, is ALL in the hands of My God. I look forward to THE NEXT TWENTY YEARS with hope and faith. I look forward to seeing the day that ALL 4 of my children, and 3 grandchildren, are serving the Lord with more love and determination than I am. I look forward to seeing the Great Harvest that The Word tells us about and that I have heard preached about for the 52 years I have been saved. I look forward to seeing the Bride of Christ (the Church) becoming Pure and Spotless. I look forward to seeing the miraculous with my own eyes. I look forward to hearing the trumpet of the Lord sound and we who are alive being caught up with him, and meeting those from the grave in the air. I look forward to knowing HIM better each coming day, week, month, and year, than I know HIM at this moment.


THE NEXT TWNEY YEARS, and forever more, I will be His child and he will be MY GOD!!!!


This post was written for Scribbits Write-Away Contest with the prompt, The Next 20 years.

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40 comments:

Praise and Coffee said...

Amen! You go girl!
Hugs,
Sue

Susie said...

Susan, what a wonderful post! Your wisdom and faith is so important to all of us, and it truly is an inspiration! I pray that you will have twenty more amazing years walking and serving our precious Lord.

Kimmie said...

Hi Susan;

Never to old, never to young...Good word. I would add that today is so important, so many get caught in the lie of the devil that says "soon, tomorrow, someday..," He has them just where he wants them.

God has given us today, so we need to minister in that, walking in the confidence that comes in knowing that He will enable us by His Spirit.

Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted

groovyoldlady said...

:-)

... said...

great post, susan. i love your words to me in the comment you left for my 'next 20 years' post...

i don't know what the next 20 years hold, but i know who holds me. your life - past, present, and future - are a shining example of this. thank you.

Anonymous said...

Love this Susan!

Scribbit said...

Thanks so much for entering--you really would have a different perspective on that side of 60 wouldn't you?

Anonymous said...

Just caught up. Sovereignty (spelling?) of God is difficult or impossible to grasp to me. I will never understand how in our lives He gives us beauty for ashes (fires he has allowed to bring ashes), yet I know he does. Like the wind I do not see with my eyes, yet I hear it blow through the trees, I see it pick things up and move them with its force, is the power of my God, whose breath is all over my life. What a comfort in kowing NOTHING is out of His grasp or reach.

As for aging, Susan, you may think I am silly when I tell you, I have been struck by my aging in the past year, STRUCK. I am not as strong, my memory is not what it was. It is a time in life when i have done a lot of reflecting over things I would different if I had known more at the time. Your post is a timely reminder that God's ability to use me at every satge in my life is not measured in my strength, and never was...Hmmmm.

God bless you, here, in this place, and everywhere you go!

Brenda said...

I see no reason why you couldn't have 20+ years! You have such a sweet and honest spirit. I appreciate the things you share. Know that it really blesses/challenges me to know Him more!
Brenda

Anonymous said...

You go you chick! I'm smiling from ear to ear.

Anonymous said...

Love the post. I miss meetings where God really shows up. Thanks again,Brenda

Dawn said...

Wonderful, inspiring thoughts! I haven't thought much about 20 years from now - yet. It will be an adventure, for sure, if the Lord tarries - even more so if He comes back!

Betty said...

Nice post, Susan. I'm the same age as you, and like you, I am proud of my age. I am proud I have lived this long. Just think, there are not many people our ago who would undertake blogging. There's a lot to learn. I am a firm believer in order to have a young spirit you have to keep your mind active.

Thanks for visiting me today and taking a tour of part of my home.

The Olson's: said...

Susan,
Thank you for the reminder that God can use us at every stage of life we are in. All we need to do is make ourselves available and listen to what He's telling us to do. May you have another 20+ years to glorify Him here on earth!
~ Leanne

MightyMom said...

you keep typing, I'll keep reading.

Vanessa Cole said...

Hi Susan~

I'm back and it is so good to be here. Thank you for your insight, wisdom and faith.

Vanessa

inspired said...

Hi Susan .. like this post..
trust all is well .. :o]

Nadine said...

What a great, inspirational post Susan. May we all walk in the purposes of God for our lives as you and your husband are.

Blessings,
N

j said...

Susan, that was WONDERFUL! I know he has used you mightily in the last month and a half in my life!

20 more years - I stand in agreement with you!

Jennifer

Cjdusse said...

Susan I so appreciate your view on life. My mom is 76 and said to me the other day she is ready to go now. Her children are settled she is no more needed in life and I feel sad about it. We are supposed to be like you - living life to the full. We need people like you around to show the younger generation the way ahead. Beautiful prophecy for your husband

Kathi said...

I like your viewpoint on age. I am going to show it to my two teenage daughters. Wonderful post.

Kathi

Knit-Wit said...

I have been catching up on my blog reading and have enjoyed browsing through the posts I have missed over the past couple of months. I especially enjoyed your questions and answer series.

You have such a terrific outlook on life! I love how you look at the next 20 years as service to your Lord and King. There is no retirement for Christians. It is so refreshing to see this perspective. I know too many older Christians who believe that they can sit back and let the younger generation take over.

Momma Roar said...

WOW!! Just know that you encourage me each and every day to live my life to its fullest!

Thank you!

Tammy said...

This was wonderful...and it's true! God can use us at any age! He even uses the smallest of children...and can use us to our last breath at 100 plus! Your faith in God to do this is inspirational and your attitude is super, dear Susan!

Unknown said...

This post is a wonderful testimony of your walk with God and of your positive outlook you are so quick to share with all. Thanks!

concerned parent said...

Very nice and uplifting!
Ali

Frazzled Farm Wife said...

Love your thought on aging!

Candy said...

I love this!! God is definitely NOT through with you yet!!

Jenileigh said...

This post touched me so deeply. It excited me, it gave me goosebumps! Praise God Hallelujah! Woohooo!!!!
Thank-you for sharing this. It was very encouraging to me. So true too. I'm calling 120 years over myself and my family also! I love you Susan! May God keep His hand upon you and your husband and continue to bless you greatly! Hugs

Mountain Mama said...

What a beautiful and encoraging prophesy!!

Happy Spring and a blessed Resurrection day to you and yours.

Anonymous said...

Susan,

I hope you have a wonderful Easter this year and you especially enjoy your son for whom you prayed so long! Blessings!

Brenda said...

Hi Susan, I've tagged you for a meme. This is my first one to participate in. If you'd care to I'd appreciate it. If not, no problem! Thanks, Brenda

http://itswonderfullygood.blogspot.com/2008/03/my-first-tag.html

Happy, happy Easter Day!

Hootin Anni said...

I LOVE this blog entry Susan!!!! It is so profound. I'm nearing 60 in years, and I AM one proud lady to be this age, gray hair and all...

I did a Friday Show N Tell this week [I know it's been canceled, but I wanted to show off a prize I won and sent to me by one of our Show N Tell players ---it's Easter themed!! Drop by if you can? I'd love to have you visit. And have a great holiday weekend]

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Just stopping by to wish you and your family a Happy Easter!

God's blessings,

Katherine

Anonymous said...

Susan, you will be around for the next 30... at least.

kc bob said...

I love this Susan:

I'll never set a novice in an office and you're not novices.

It reminded me of the time I sat at breakfast, opposite my friend, one day and John spoke to me, weeping, of how hard family life had been for him lately. He was experiencing marital problems as well as issues with his children. As he was speaking to me the Holy Spirit gave me something to say ... which was good because I had nothing to say that could help him in any way. I began by asking him a question. I said "Do you know how much God loves your family"? I continued "Do you know how much God loves your wife"? "Do you know how much God loves your kids"? He sat kind of perplexed. I told him that God loved his family so much that He sent John, a mature experienced believer, into their lives ... He didn't send a rookie when a veteran was needed.

Barbara said...

Hope and faith is what keeps us going.

Rose of Sharon said...

What a great role model you are Susan!

Have a very blessed Easter!

Hugs, Sharon

Kristie said...

So glad to have you in my life Susan you inspire me. Hope to have the faith you do someday!!!

Rita Loca said...

Hope you have a great day tomorrow celebrating His resurrection!