Have you ever heard someone say “I am too old”? Perhaps you have said it plenty of times to yourself. I know I have, especially this past month with handing in of final assignments!
But life is full of infinite possibilities – and as long as we have breath in our lungs – God has a plan for us.
Think of Colonel Harland Sanders, the culinary genius behind Kentucky Fried Chicken. He didn’t launch his finger-lickin empire until he was well into his sixties, reminding us that age is merely a number and that dreams have no expiration date.
What about Fauja Singh, the “Turbaned Tornado”, who began his career as a marathon runner at the ripe age of eighty-nine and went on to set multiple world records. His determination is a testament to the fact that the race isn’t over until you decide it is.
Consider Helga Miketta, a pioneering woman who earned her pilot’s license at 78 – the skies of opportunity are always open, no matter how many years you’ve spent grounded.
Closer to home we have Nelson Mandela, although his accomplishments spanned his entire life just about, his most significant achievements happened after his release from prison at the age of 71. After 27 years of imprisonment, he became our first democratically elected President and played a crucial role in dismantling apartheid and promoting reconciliation.
From the pages of the Bible, we find Abraham and Sarah, who, despite their old age, were blessed with a child, Isaac. Moses, called by God at the age of 80, led the Israelites to freedom. These stories show that divine purposes are not constrained by the passage of time.
In our journey through life, we must remember that even with one foot in the “departure lounge,” as one of our precious folk say, we can still achieve great things. It’s never too late to follow a dream, find faith, or embark on a new adventure. The stories of these remarkable individuals, both from history and scripture, remind us that life’s most extraordinary chapters can be written at any age.
Last week Claire and I went to one of our Retirement Homes to visit and share communion with the folk there. These times are truly so special to me, I call them one of the perks of my job! Who wouldn’t want to spend time with those who have so much life experience and wonderful tales to tell! We shared communion, sang, discussed scripture and prayed together – and then a God-moment happened.
One of the ladies, expressed her desire to give her heart and life to Jesus – we had the privilege of praying with her as she surrendered her life to Jesus – a wonderful reminder that it is never too late, or we are never too old to experience the transformative power of God’s love. God’s grace knows no age limits and His love extends to every season of our lives – hallelujah!
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46.4).
She shared with us how she felt that something was missing from her life – and the words of Augustine of Hippo came alive that morning – “Your heart will not find rest until it rests in God”.
These words echo through the ages, reminding us that our deepest restlessness and desires can only be satisfied through a profound relationship with the divine.
In a fast-paced world that constantly bombards us with distractions, it is all too easy to overlook the significance of the God gap. But when we have the courage to pause and reflect, we realise the inherent human need for purpose, understanding, and connection beyond ourselves. We discover that genuine rest and fulfilment lie in acknowledging and embracing our spiritual nature.
The God gap is not a weakness; it is a beautiful reminder of the potential within us. Rather than succumbing to a sense of emptiness or despair, we can choose to view this gap as an invitation to seek and explore the depth of our spirituality. It is an opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to search for meaning, and to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus.
We need not fear aging or the uncertainty that life may bring. Wherever we find ourselves on the journey of life, it is never too late to bridge the God gap and find contentment, peace, and purpose. Our age does not determine the depth of our spiritual journey; it is merely a vessel through which our souls can transcend earthly limitations.
Let this be a gentle nudge for each one of us to explore the uncharted territories of our hearts, our dreams, and our spirituality.
May we find comfort in knowing that the pursuit of a relationship with God is a lifelong endeavour that yields abundant rewards. As we journey in faith, let us encourage one another to seek that rest which comes from resting in God alone.
Much love
Michelle