“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.” (Proverb 16:31 NLT)
I had been up since 1:45 a.m., ate breakfast before 7:00 a.m., and yes, I had my coffee. As soon as I donned some joggers and a jean jacket, I headed to the store. I didn’t forget my list this time! I grabbed my cart and started going down the aisle where I could find what I was looking to purchase. I was not tempted to buy anything that was not on my list. That only happens when I forget my list! You know, a lot of people go to the store early, some on their way to work and others just like to get it done.
As I am going down the main aisle where the meat items are stored, I pass a gentleman. We acknowledge each other with the usual up and down head movement. I take it a little further and ask the man how he was doing. He said, “Getting old man! Getting old!” He was referring to himself, I think. So, I said, “How old are you?” He said he would be 50 years old this weekend. I should have wished him happy birthday in advance, but “think-speak” takes over in my mind. It says, “Doesn’t he see my beard, almost whiter than the fictious Santa Claus character’s father? Does he think these lines on my face are tattoos? Does he not notice that my bald hairstyle was not like it is to keep in style, but it is what is happening?” All that went through my mind quickly. Then I recognized an opportunity to do a little fishing, so I threw out a little bait, being a fisher of men and women, boys, and girls too. I say, “Your age does not make a difference with God.” Then, going a little deeper, before he could escape further from my presence, I asked, “Do you have a church home?” He says, “Not now. I used to.” I gave him one of our church cards and invited him to visit. He says, “Thanks! Maybe I’ll see you some Sunday.” I pray that he does.
Age does not make a difference with God. As a matter of fact, He lets our days roll on because He still has a purpose for us to fulfill, or He is giving others time to get right with God, to be justified, to have peace with Him by coming to Christ. Therefore, I say, “So what if you think you are old.”
I am not going to be in chronological order, but didn’t God bless Abraham and Sarah when they were old? Didn’t the Lord use Moses after 80 years, 40 in Pharaoh’s house and 40 years shepherding in Midian? Wasn’t there also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and the was a widow until she was 84. But get this! She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. When Jesus was presented in the temple, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. I’m telling you, “So what if you think you are old!” God can still use you and if you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, He can still save you from the penalty of sin, the power of sin, and the presence of sin.
If you are 30, 40, 50, are even beyond 80, let God use you! Let me be repetitious to make the point clear: “Age does not make a difference with God.” Pass this one on, whether the recipients are young or old. And for those who are saved, and into their “senior years,” let David’s words become your very own personal testimony. Be blessed!
“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25 KJV)
Mark L. King