God's Sustaining Validity

Dad pronounces the word invalid as two words - “in valid.” He means it in the truest sense of the word.  “We can’t become in valid, Dot.” His way of thinking is that aging and weakness may devalue them. He fights weakness with every fiber that is in him and encourages my mother to do the same.

The very word, “invalid” or as dad pronounces it, “in valid” begs the question. Are we to believe that age, illness or other such physical limitations reduces someone’s value? The world may see it that way, but not God.

The prophet Isaiah expressed these words to God’s chosen, “Listen to me … Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

As long as these jars of clay bear the treasure of God’s Spirit there is value. I read the story of a missionary who had pioneered the field on Bangladesh and suffered with Alzheimers in his final years. A young missionary from the same country visited him in the nursing home, but little was said between them because the disease had stolen his mind. As they sat together a news report came on the television about Bangladesh and suddenly the elder man threw up his hands and said, “Oh God be with the people of Bangladesh,” and then he began to pray in perfectly Bengali.

Recently, my friend and her mother told a story about a doctor’s appointment. Her aging mother had been baking pies and decided to take one to the young nurse from the doctor’s office. After arriving at the office they learned the nurse was working elsewhere that day. After the appointment ended they went to see the nurse and take her the pie. When the young girl came out and saw them she burst into tears and hugged my friend’s mother saying, “I needed to see you today – I just lost my mother.” As it turned out the pie was her favorite flavor.

To say that someone has lost their value just because they are weaker, sicker or older, limits God’s ability to glorify himself through all of his children. Each has sustainable value – there have been societies that have attempted to do away with the frail and aging – but these societies are not societies that acknowledge the sovereignty and power of a loving and living God.

Before Hospice came in we teased Mom that the reason she kept getting sick was because she was such a witness to the hospital staff. And now as a Hospice patient she continues to offer inspiration and prayer for those who are providing care. Each night and morning I overhear both of my parents in their devotions as they pray specifically for the lost. Perhaps it’s their prayer of intercession that keep them here on this broken earth.

I’m not sure why God extends life when it’s vigor is gone , but each life is valid.