1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV)
Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion,
but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
In 2015 while serving in the Prayer Ministry, the Lord called me to lead a new Senior Citizen cell group in the church. Although we started with just three members and distance could have been a concern, I saw it as a privilege to be called by God. To me, it was never about numbers or convenience – it was about obedience and devotion to Him, So, I will avail myself to be where the Lord leads me.
As of today, I’ve been serving in a Ladies Fellowship for around 15 years, and I thank God for opening another door through the “Golden Years” ministry. My passion for serving in the Senior Citizen cell group birthed from the desire to share God’s Word, helping seniors grow in faith and spiritual maturity. This ministry also provides a platform for fellowship, encouragement, and witnessing – empowering seniors to express their faith and serve the needs of the community.
Sadly, due to an unexpected turn of events, my joy was short-lived. With a heavy heart, I chose to step down but agreed to stay on until a new leader was appointed. However, as months passed without any news of replacement, I found myself stranded without clear direction. Whatever reasons the church chose to remain silent, it was painful, especially the group being sidelined without spiritual covering. Through it all, the longer I waited, the more I felt the weight of Jesus’ compassion in Matthew 9:36 (When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.) Moved by this conviction, I continued to shepherd this abandoned cell group under the direct leadership and covering of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I’m convinced that what the enemy meant for evil, God intended for good to accomplish His greater purpose. He has a way of using our most difficult seasons to bring about something far greater than we could have imagined. Since then, the group has taken on a new identity as Senior Home Fellowship, and over the years, the Lord has faithfully added to our numbers, even as He has called some home to Him.
Looking back, I am truly blessed by my decision to remain with this group. I have witnessed God’s gracious hand at work – His providence evident not only in seasons of blessing but also as we walked through deep waters and the furnace of affliction. In all circumstances, He works for our ultimate good, just as Romans 8:28 reminds us: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” I rejoice in the steadfast commitment of our group and stand in awe of how the Lord continues to open our hearts and minds to the truth of His Word.
As 2023 draws to a close, I am deeply grateful for God’s faithfulness in blessing and sustaining this group for the past eight years, and look forward to continuing as a vessel of His Word in the years ahead. While some may see us as past our prime, God isn’t finished with us yet – just as he called Moses at the age of eighty to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. As long as we remain willing, He will open doors for us to serve Him. It is a great comfort to know that God’s purpose for us extends beyond our youth and into our twilight years – even in the frailty of old age. He has promised to carry and care for us in every season of life: “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.” (Isaiah 46:4)
My prayer, based on Colossians 3:12-17 is that this group will be united in love, bearing and forgiving one another with the peace of Christ ruling in our hearts. May the message of Christ dwell richly among us, and in all that we do, be done in the name of the Lord Jesus with gratitude in our hearts, giving thanks to our Heavenly Father. May the Lord continue to work in and through us for His glory, reminding us of who He is and what He can accomplish through us. And finally, I pray that the God who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). May we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)
Dolly's Sharing 