Have you ever felt you were too tired, too overwhelmed, or maybe too old for the call and purpose God has for your life?
A couple of years ago, a former state coordinator for National Day of Prayer emailed me Galatians 6:9 out of the blue: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” She didn’t realize the season of transition that was beginning for NDP. The Holy Spirit guided her to send that encouragement straight from God’s word. I needed it so badly at that time.
The enemy does want you and me to quit, to stop, to give up the great work of public united prayer for America. Who will win over these moments: our accuser or our Redeemer who lives within us?
Let’s reflect on what God says:
Titus 2:2-6 references teaching to both the older and the younger women and men. We are always to be teachable whatever our age so that we can continue to His Kingdom purposes.
Acts 2:17 references Joel 2 about young and old, men and women who will experience His Spirit being poured out in the last days. No one is left out or put out to pasture, but used by the Lord.
Ephesians 6:7 adds perspective with, “Work as if you were serving the Lord, not as if you were serving only men and women.”
A letter from a dear ministry friend of National Day of Prayer who is in his 80s, shared this:
“I long that Psalm 92:14 will be true for me: THEY WILL STILL BRING FORTH FRUIT IN OLD AGE. It is my desire to bring forth fruit for the glory of God and to point others to the Kingdom.”
Remember, young people have the opportunity to stand on shoulders of those of you who have been plowing, sowing, watering, harvesting and have much experience to offer.
My granddaughter at seven years, already knows so much truth of the gospel and Word of God. She models the joy in a child’s spirit that is so pleasing to God. That young passion re-tenderizes some of us who may have grown a bit lukewarm. The younger bring strength and passion, the older bring wisdom, maturity, and testimonies that build faith.
If you are hearing accusations, dwell in Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
All believers should find a home at National Day of Prayer. There is no room here for division by politics, skin color, rich or poor, young or old, pastor or lay person.
Romans 2:11 gets right to the truth, “For God does not show favoritism.” There is plenty of room for you in this ministry to the nation we all call home, America.
Shirley Dobson, chairman emeritus of National Day of Prayer, recently shared this with me, “All the memories of serving and what the Lord did through us, building the NDP into a national and beyond ministry, it was a great honor to serve. I will say it again . . . ‘PRAYER IS THE HOPE OF AMERICA’ You’re doing the most important job in the universe and are changing the course of this nation.” (Reprinted with permission.)
NDP volunteer, she is speaking to you.
On behalf of our volunteer leadership, the eight national area leaders and state coordinators, and national staff, I thank God for your service. You are the force that mobilizes prayer and stands in the gap in your town, city or county. We simply cannot do this goal without volunteers like you. The impact you can have is beyond what you realize. Carry on my friend and co-laborer. There are lost lives to pray for and people who simply need your unique smile or hug.
Invite others to serve with you so that none grow weary. You are part of the Moses Model that divides the work, giving leadership and support right in your zip code. May God bless you and keep you, caring for you in all ways of help from health and finances to His favor relating and working with others.
--Lisa Crump is the vice president of volunteer mobilization and liaison to prayer ministries for the National Day of Prayer Task Force.