November 9
A New Beginning
In Old Age
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’”
John 11:25-26 (NIrV)
Derek was an elderly man in his 80s, living in a small house on the edge of town. The house had once been filled with laughter and love, especially after he married his wife, Marjorie. But now, it felt eerily empty. It had been six months since she passed away, and although time had passed, the pain of her absence was still fresh.
His children lived far away, and while they visited once a week, it was never enough to ease the loneliness he felt. The silence in his home was a constant reminder that he was aging, and the thought of dying alone haunted him. He would lie in bed at night, wondering who would be there when the time came. Who would hold his hand or even say goodbye?
One evening, as Derek was going through an old photo album, he came across a picture of Marjorie and him at a church picnic. She had always urged him to go to church with her, but he had always made excuses. She was more of a believer than he was. She found peace and comfort in her faith, but Derek didn’t feel ready to make the leap. Yet now, after her passing, he began to realize something—Marjorie had always told him that church was a place where people could find true connection, community, and peace. Maybe it was time to honor her wishes, not just for her, but for himself.
With a hesitant heart, Derek decided to visit the church down the road. It was a small, humble building, and the congregation was welcoming, though he couldn’t help but feel like an outsider. The first few weeks were difficult—he wasn’t used to sitting in a pew, listening to prayers, or singing songs. But over time, he began to feel a sense of peace. The pastor’s sermons spoke about hope, about life after death, and about the love of God that never leaves us, even in our darkest hours. Derek’s heart began to open, and slowly, he started making friends. There was Mrs. Patterson, who always sat beside him and offered him a warm smile; Ben, a young man in his thirties who would drive Derek to church every Sunday; and Lisa, a kind woman who would often invite him to lunch after service.
One Sunday, as Derek sat in the small church, he reflected on all that had happened in his life in the past few months. He thought about how lonely he had felt before he decided to come to church. But now, he had found a new family—one that accepted him, cared for him, and showed him love. As he looked around the room, Derek realized he had been given something more than just community; he had found the assurance that he was never truly alone. God was with him, and he would never leave him.
One particular Sunday, the pastor read from John 11:25-26: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Derek felt the weight of those words in his heart. He had always wondered what would happen after death, but now he understood. Jesus wasn’t just offering hope for the future—He was offering life now. Life in abundance, a life that never ends, a life that would carry him through his fears, through his loneliness, and even through death itself.
Tears welled in Derek’s eyes as he whispered, “Yes, I believe.” For the first time in a long time, he felt peace. The fear of dying alone faded as he realized that Jesus was with him. Whether he was surrounded by people or sitting quietly in his home, Jesus was there, offering him eternal life and love.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your promise of life, both now and forever.
Thank You for reminding me that I am never alone, no matter how isolated I may feel.
Help me to trust in Your presence, especially in times of loneliness and fear.
Just as You promised to be with Derek, I know You are with me as well.
Please help me to hold onto the hope that You give, knowing that through You, I have eternal life.
May I continue to find peace and joy in Your love, and may I share that love with others, especially those who feel alone.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
