Are you still breathing?  If the answer to that very basic question is, “yes,” then you are not too old to be of use in God’s story!   You may have retired from your place of employment; you may be an empty nester, and may be a widow or widower; but God has a place and a purpose for your life right here, right now.

“Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.  They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that the Lord is upright…” Psalm 92: 13-15

Followers of Christ are “those planted in the house of the Lord.”  We are part of God’s family, His household.   The Psalm says we will “still bear fruit in old age, and will be fresh and flourishing to declare that the Lord is upright.”   To ‘bear fruit’ and to ‘flourish’ is to have Kingdom impact in our circle of influence, and particularly for the next generation.  Consider the words of Psalm 71: 17-18:

“Oh God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works.  Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.”    The Psalmist understood that the legacy of God’s strength and power must be passed on, and who else to do so than those who had experienced God first-hand.   Consider Psalm 37:25-26:

“I have been young, and now am old; yet, I have not seen the righteous forsaken, or his descendants begging bread.  He is ever merciful and lends, and his descendants are blessed.”  The Psalmist spoke of his own observations and experiences. And now, since we possess the full revelation of Jesus Christ, we have so much more to share.  The good news of forgiveness, redemption, and transformation in Christ Jesus is our personal experience, as believers in Jesus, to share with those living among us.

So, how might we serve into our old age?  By sharing the good news of Christ through our transformed lives.   As we love and serve others as Christ did, the world will be drawn to that supernatural love.  Only by allowing the Holy Spirit to love and live through us, will others really see Christ.   Be prepared to share the reason for the hope that is in you!

I was inspired by my mother-in-law Joan, who continued seeking an opportunity to love and serve others long after retirement, and throughout her years of suffering from cancer until God took her Home to rest.  By God’s empowerment and leading, Joan was a faithful prayer warrior, a writer of women’s Bible studies, a teacher and mentor to many women.   There are women who know the Lord today because Joan Forcey invested in their lives, and presented truth in love, so they too might have eternal life.

Perhaps by the world’s standards, Joan was not considered highly educated or a woman of power and means, but in God’s eyes, she was His valued child and was given a purpose that she beautifully fulfilled – An ordinary person, like most of us, doing extraordinary things for God.

You too, regardless of your age, have been given a purpose to fulfill.  God has given you spiritual gifts, strengths, passion and a calling.  I encourage you to discover them if you have not yet done so!  God wants you to know why you are here “for such a time as this.”   The 210 Project book and online process is an excellent tool for you to begin the exciting journey God intends you to experience.

Are you fearful that you are not capable of fulfilling God’s extraordinary assignment he has planned just for you?  Be encouraged by Isaiah 46:3-4:

“ Listen to me…(you) who have been upheld by Me from birth, who have been carried from the womb: Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you!  I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.”

Now how is that for confirmation that you will not be alone on this adventure? Set aside every excuse and get in on God’s story!  You will wonder why you waited so long!

Carmen Pate is a Principal with Alliance-Ministries.  Learn more about the 210 Project at www.alliance-ministries.org