Billy Graham Shares About Old Age and Discouragement from Personal Experience

by Teresa Neumann : Nov 18, 2009 : Bob Smietana - The Tennessean

"I admit I don't like the burdens of old age, the slow decline in energy, the physical disabilities, the pain of losing so many of your friends and loved ones. But we can either let them get us down, or we can learn to accept them and discover the lessons God has for us through them."

FOUNDING EDITOR’S NOTE: This is awesome since we are so used to giants in the Spirit acting like giants and not just human experience like the rest of us. A few months ago, God gave me a dream where Billy Graham was sharing his true and transparent self. This verifies that dream. God is making it plain that we are all the same…there is no one who has not experienced the feelings of everybody else. This should encourage you. …Because you are NOT alone. -Steve Shultz, BCN.

(Nashville, Tennessee)—Although evangelist Billy Graham no longer grants live interview requests, he did agree to accept written questions from Bob Smietana, the religion writer for The Tennessean. The following is one question, and an expert of Graham's answer, from that interview. To read the full interview, click on the link provided. (Photo: File/The Tennessean)

Smietana: There are many people who, because of illness and infirmity, feel abandoned by God. Or they've lost a reason to live, since they can't care for themselves or do the work they once did. It's especially hard for people who've spent their lives caring for others. What would you say to people like that, from your own experience of the difficulties of aging?

Graham: "Well, we've all heard the old quip that old age isn't for sissies. And the older I get, the more I realize that there is some truth to it. I admit I don't like the burdens of old age, the slow decline in energy, the physical disabilities, the pain of losing so many of your friends and loved ones. But we can either let them get us down, or we can learn to accept them and discover the lessons God has for us through them."

"For example, I can't do everything I once did, although, to be honest, there are times that I wish I could. Some older people get angry at this, or feel they're useless, or like you say conclude that God must have abandoned them. But it isn't true. God's love for us isn't dependent on our circumstances or feelings. While I can't do everything I once did (and God doesn't expect me to), I still can do some things and that's what God wants me to do. Now, I have more time to pray; now I have more time to encourage my children and grandchildren and other people; now I have more time to reflect on God's goodness to me over the years. I constantly pray that God will help me to be a blessing to others. But life's burdens should remind us of something else: This world is not our final home. The burdens we face right now are only temporary."

   

• Star-Trek Type Device Can Diagnose Cancer in Minutes
• Church Impacts Community with "Pray-it-Forward"
• Option Line Launches Upgraded, Interactive Site for Connecting Women to Life-Affirming Help
• A Global Plan for the Gospel in Every Language
• How a Foul-Ball Worked Miracles in a Major League Baseball Player and His Fan
• Business Owners in China Finding that Christians Make Better Workers—Government Takes Note
• Hundreds of Volunteers Spending Labor Day Vacation Building Homes for Low-income Families as Part of Worldwide Housing Event
• Dig in Jordan Substantiates Old Testament Description of the Idolatry of the Moabites
• UK Study Finds "Religious" Doctors' Care for Terminally Ill to be More Life Affirming
• How Some Radical Christian Families are Changing Their Communities
• Think You'd be Happier Shopping on Sundays Than Going to Church? Wrong, Says Study
• Church Changes a Country and Saves Lives Along the Way
• In Arizona, God's "Torch" Transcends Headlines and Border Controversy: the State is Ablaze with Prayer!
• TheCall Goes Forth to Sacramento: September 3-4
• Bollywood in Israel to Make Jesus Movie
• Hollywood Star Couple Chooses Family instead of Emmy Parties
• The Carolina Emperor: Record-Breaking Emerald Found on North Carolina Farm
• Latest American Released from North Korean Prison Returns Home
• Gutenberg's Great Invention giving Everyman the Word of God
• Romanian Christian Leaders Promulgate Pro-Life, Pro-Family Timisoara Declaration

   
 

Listen online to 24/7 streaming radio of cutting edge music by
ElijahStreams!

"I have just been introduced to your network and have been basking in the blessing all day! I hope all the listeners will continue to support you so that this blessing on the Church can continue."
- an ElijahStreams Listener

Steve Shultz, Managing Editor

Aimee Herd, Editor

Teresa Neumann, Reporter