In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.
Luke 1:5-7 (NIV)
The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth teaches us that we should not let our age or many of life's uncertainties keep us from serving God.
If we limit God's ability to use because we are getting on in years, we are preventing ourselves from being in on and participating in what God is doing. Even though we are not as strong or as fast physically, we must stay open to God's invitation to a possible change of season. This is due to the fact that there is no age restriction or retirement date when it comes to carrying out God's plan and purpose.
The Bible contains numerous stories of God calling the aged and elderly to perform great and exciting things. Abraham was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. Moses was eighty years old when he led the Israelites out of Egypt. When Anna was nearly a century old when she prophesied about Jesus being the Messiah and Redeemer. The experiences of these senior people demonstrate that we are never too old to change careers or embark on a new path in life.
If you know someone who believes they have outlived their ability to serve God and benefit others, please encourage them with the following words:
So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.
Psalm 71:8 (NIV)
Despite growing older or feeling more vulnerable, the Psalmist still finds meaning and fulfilment in life by bearing witness to God and seeing His power in action in the lives of others. Continue to serve God as long as you are able, and never limit what God can achieve in your life. That's exactly what Zechariah and Elizabeth did. When they trusted God to turn their season of barrenness into a season of blessing, they both sang songs of celebration and rejoicing.
When you worship a God who is limitless in being, power, and purpose, let Him amaze you by what He can do in and through you. Learn to trust God and surrender your daily life to Him. And God will provide you with the opportunity and favour to remain faithful and fruitful.