How has life turned out for you?
When we are children, we often have big dreams with big accomplishments that we want to achieve. As we grow older, we refine those dreams and hope for a meaningful and successful life.
And then life happens. Some people do not see their dreams becoming reality. Some people begin to think that they should have chosen a different line of work. Some people regret that they have not done as many things as they wanted to do, and they cannot imagine things changing. It can lead to deep regret, disappointment, heartache, and eve jealousy.
God has blessed me in many ways, and I have recognized many ways that He has used me. However, I still have some big dreams. And I know that God is still working.
God is not finished with you either. If you are here, there is a reason.
History is full of people who did not achieve fame or major success until later in life. Colonel Sanders was 65 when he created Kentucky Fried Chicken. Morgan Freeman was in his 50s when he became known for his acting. Julia Child was 50 when she published her first cookbook. Laura Ingalls Wilder was 65 when she wrote her first Little House on the Prairie book. Many others followed the same pattern, and they only accomplished worldly fame.
God wants you to accomplish even greater things. He wants you to make a difference that spans generations. He wants you to trust Him and live for Him, so He can do great things through you; we even read in 1 Corinthians 9:25: “Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown.”
Remember, Abraham (Abram) was 75 when he obeyed God and left his home to go to the land God would promise to him. Moses was 80 when he led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Joshua was around 80 when he led the Israelites into the Promised Land. God does not see age as a problem, and He is willing to forgive our past. We chose to trust and obey – or not.
I encourage you to ask God to show you what He still wants to accomplish in your life. I encourage you to remember that even if life has thrown some curveballs at you, God told us in Proverbs 24:16, “Though a righteous person falls seven times, he will get up, but the wicked will stumble into ruin.” I encourage you to be grateful for the time you still have on Earth, and use it for God’s glory.
When Dr. Jay Cook is asked to share a little of himself; his reply is, “Good question. I ask it a lot.” His delight is sharing that he is a blessed man – married to a wonderful woman (Kristi Cook) – and awed by his two amazing kids (Jameson & Amelia Rose). He has served in ministry for over 30 years and loves to help others in any way he can. Jay is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Leake County Baptist Association, and a part of an amazing new church (3:16 church) in Canton, MS. He also helps other churches (as he is able) through revivals, conferences, or however God leads. He shares his thoughts of a man just trying to live for Jesus (and wanting to help others do the same) through his blog at Dr. Jay Cook.
Image by CoPilot
NO, it is never too late for man to do anything, because true action is not limited by time but by spiritual understanding. Time-based limitations like age or regret are mortal beliefs that can be overcome through spiritual awakening and turning to God.
When Jesus found at the pool of Bethesda the man who had been ill for thirty-eight years, He did not mention the element of time. He did not say it was too late. Instead, the man was commanded to take up his bed and walk. And we read (John 5:9), “Immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked.” The Master always beheld man as the perfect, uninterrupted reflection of the infinite God. Surely this healing must have been accompanied by a realization of the real man’s abilities and capabilities, with no sense of wasted years or lost opportunities. It is always “now” to Divine Truth,God.
Your Friend -His Servant,
Isaac Otieno