“Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” He said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in years; she was past [the age of] childbearing. So, Sarah laughed to herself [when she heard the Lord’s words], saying, “After I have become old, shall I have pleasure and delight, my lord (husband) being also old?” And the Lord asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh [to herself], saying, ‘Shall I really give birth [to a child] when I am so old?’ Is anything too difficult or too wonderful for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:9-14a)
There is nothing wrong with a little Bible Study on a Sunday morning before church, or a Sunday afternoon, after church. Or even in the evening, after you watch your Sunday game or your favorite movie. Yet, at some time today, make sure you read both the opening and closing verses as they appear in this meditation. And, if you are inspired and motivated, pick up your Bible and read these texts in their context.
I just have a one thought for you to ponder on, a thought related to the age factor. Know that you are not too old and you or not too young for the Lord to use you as He so pleases. Oh, He, the Lord, may not call you to preach or teach the gospel, but if He, if God does, remember what I just said regarding the age factor.
Your role might be to continue serving, continue singing, or continuing to show others that the Christ lives in you in an undeniable way. Your role may not be to show out in service, but just to show up to be an influencer that changes one from being pessimistic to becoming optimistic. The Lord may even be speaking to you now and letting you know that you are not too old for Sunday School, not too old for attending church worship service (in person or virtually if that is your best option), and not too old to point someone, whether they be younger or older to the Christ. You are not too old to serve the One who saved you and has sustained you, and continues to save you from the power of sin. Don’t you know that He has sustained and saved you for His purpose?
In a wheel chair, on a walker, or riding a young adult scooter, or just passed the age where you were riding big wheels and bikes, or just old enough to drive your first ride, you are not too old, not too young for the Lord to use you as He so pleases. Your presence alone in the sanctuary will be a silent statement, regardless of your age, that you believe in the Lord who will make a way somehow. Somebody needs to see you there!
Whatever your excuse may be in executing what the Lord expects of you, keep the one thought I have shared with you in mind. Reinforce that with the truth that what is impossible with men and women, it is possible with God. Enjoy your Sunday! And after you have done a little additional Bible Study, be motivated, inspired, focused, and anchored in believing that the Lord can still do marvelous things through you for the sake of the kingdom.
One final note. Please, definitely share this with the young people in your people network. Make a connection with the young people who think they have to wait until they get “your age” to hear God call them to action. He is calling them to action or back to action right now. Be blessed!
“Meanwhile little Samuel was helping the Lord by assisting Eli. Messages from the Lord were very rare in those days, but one night after Eli had gone to bed (he was almost blind with age by now), and Samuel was sleeping in the Temple near the Ark, the Lord called out, “Samuel! Samuel!” “Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it?” He jumped up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. What do you want?” he asked. “I didn’t call you,” Eli said. “Go on back to bed.” So, he did. Then the Lord called again, “Samuel!” And again, Samuel jumped up and ran to Eli. Yes?” he asked. “What do you need?” “No, I didn’t call you, my son,” Eli said. “Go on back to bed.” (Samuel had never had a message from Jehovah before.) So now the Lord called the third time, and once more Samuel jumped up and ran to Eli. “Yes?” he asked. “What do you need?” Then Eli realized it was the Lord who had spoken to the child. So, he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if he calls again, say, ‘Yes, Lord, I’m listening.’” So, Samuel went back to bed. And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Yes, I’m listening.” Then the Lord said to Samuel, “I am going to do a shocking thing in Israel. I am going to do all of the dreadful things I warned Eli about. I have continually threatened him and his entire family with punishment because his sons are blaspheming God, and he doesn’t stop them. So, I have vowed that the sins of Eli and of his sons shall never be forgiven by sacrifices and offerings.” Samuel stayed in bed until morning, then opened the doors of the Temple as usual, for he was afraid to tell Eli what the Lord had said to him. But Eli called him. “My son,” he said, “what did the Lord say to you? Tell me everything. And may God punish you if you hide anything from me!” So, Samuel told him what the Lord had said. “It is the Lord’s will,” Eli replied, “let him do what he thinks best.” As Samuel grew, the Lord was with him, and people listened carefully to his advice.” (I Samuel 3:1-19 The Living Bible)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King