Questions/Answers

1. Any suggestions to deal with life transitions as women age?

There are many things that adjust as we enter the last stage of our lives. For example, our children leave the nest and have their own lives, we retire from our jobs and many responsibilities, our bodies are breaking down and failing, and we are clear, we have limited time on earth. Yet, we also know that being with the Lord was never closer.

Each of us deal with adjust-ments differently, having trouble spots, such as our body’s decline. Thinking can be slower, losing words, but also having less energy and drive, though serving Christ is still to be our main purpose.

Personally, I have found, at age 71 I’m transitioning to a new stage, where my body and mind feel, dare I say it, more feeble. This can cause sadness and loss, yet can develop a deeper depend-ance on and relationship with Christ. Thoughts of weakness go to the background, as spiritual strength (II Cor. 12:9) in the inner man to handle battles are foremost. Christ is our power, peace, and com-fort. One day I’ll be home at last with my Lord, but now: “…to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” (Phil. 1:24)

Some thoughts: Refocus to think and regroup. Slow down to reflect and accept where you are so you can  be freed to press forward toward the mark and “high calling of God.” (Phil 3:14) Do self-care, by staying connected daily in the Word, led by the Spirit, and be not in fear: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (II Tim. 1:7) Trust Christ to reflect, adjust, and walk by faith in the power and wisdom of God, especially when discouraged.

2.  How can I be free of challenges?

Dear sisters, we are ambassadors in a foreign land on God’s behalf. It is Satan’s world, so expect challenges and prepare as a good soldier by staying in the Word, prayerfully, as you meditate upon it for application.

 Trying to pray away difficulties and challenges is contrary to God’s way. He designed sufferings to work for our good to bring edification, learning, and glory: (Romans 8:18 & 28) We’re to progress to know how to go through tribulations: “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:3-5)

So, it is not to be our focus to get rid of sufferings but understand how they work in us to gain a godly attitude and contentment. “Therefore I take plea-sure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in dis-tresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (II Cor. 12:9)

3. Sometimes I feel stuck in the mud of life; what can I do?

As the entanglements and chaos of this world can blind, overwhelm, or distract us from being all of who we are in Christ, we do need answers.

 To remain at peace and focused above, we need confidence and wise patterns in place. In preparation for example, study daily with prayer, focus above (Col. 3:1-4), meditate, have candid self-examination of our hearts/walks, and trust in the doctrine being learned. We need to be ready and open to humbly reflect to adjust thinking and behavior to press toward the goal to glorify God: (Phil. 3:14)

Think on this:  If we choose to stay in the mud, Satan wins, so know this: We are to study to know how to use our spiritual armor, but also the many resources, even weapons for this warfare, given to us in the Word by God. We also may need a godly friend to help navigate the challenges. Consider reaching out to someone wise.