ON CHRISTIANITY

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I’m in the hospital (broken hip), and the doctor says I can’t live on my own anymore but must go into a nursing home. I can’t face it. I’ve been independent all my life. My children live in other cities, and I can’t go live with them. Why is God doing this to me?

— E. McD. DEAR E. McD.: Losing our independence as we grow older is hard — and it’s especially hard if we’ve been used to doing almost anything we wanted to do. But no matter who we are or how self-reliant we’ve been, eventually we’ll lose our independence if we live long enough.

Do you remember Peter, who was one of Jesus’ closest disciples? Before he met Jesus, Peter was a fisherman on the sea of Galilee — strong, independent, willing to take risks, used to running his own business. And that independent streak never completely left him, even as a disciple. Often, for example, Peter was the first to speak out, and when Jesus was arrested Peter impetuously drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant (see John 18:10). But one day, Jesus warned, Peter would grow old and lose his independence. He said, “When you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you” (John 21:18).

Don’t be angry at God because you’re facing problems; they are part of life, and God has not abandoned you. Instead, be thankful for every day he gives you, and ask him to help you adjust to your situation — and even be a blessing to others.

Most of all, fix your eyes on heaven. Life is brief — but eternity is forever. Put your life into Christ’s hands, and thank him for the hope we have of heaven because of his death and resurrection for us.