God’s Purpose Has No Age Limit

Unsplash [Photo by Clay Banks]

Have you been told that it's too late to pursue your dreams of returning to school to earn or finish a degree, or that you should give up on the idea of getting married and starting a family because of your age?

I want to share with you today, my friend, that it's never too late to achieve your goals or dreams. No matter your age, you are never too old to fulfill God's plan for your life. He has the ultimate authority, the final say on your case and as long as He hasn't declared it's too late, disregard the distractions and remain focused.

Regardless of your age, God's plan for your life continues to develop. The Bible contains numerous examples of individuals whom God called upon later in life to achieve significant accomplishments. For example:

• Abraham – At 75, Abraham received a divine call from God to become the father of many nations, pivotal for the Abrahamic faiths. Documented in Genesis 12:4, this marked the start of a journey of trials, faith, and a lasting covenant. His willingness to leave his homeland exemplifies his deep faith and trust in God's plan, setting an example for future generations.

  
  

• Moses – At 80, Moses led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, a key biblical event noted in Exodus 7:7. This was both a physical and spiritual journey for Israel. Despite his age, Moses showed remarkable leadership and resilience. His life, marked by encounters with God like the burning bush and receiving the Ten Commandments, underscored his unique divine relationship. Moses' transformation from shepherd to liberator illustrates that age doesn't limit one's capacity to achieve a significant destiny.

  
  

• Caleb – At 85, Caleb exemplified strong faith and vitality, confidently claiming Hebron's hill country by stating, "I am still as strong today as I was the day Moses sent me out" (Joshua 14:10-11). This underscores his physical strength, enduring spirit, and dedication to God's promises. Caleb's assurance in his abilities at an advanced age is a powerful reminder that determination and faith can lead to remarkable achievements, regardless of age. His legacy of courage shows that pursuing goals can continue into later life stages.

  
  

• Anna the Prophetess – Anna, a devoted widow, served God in the temple with fasting and prayer. Luke 2:36-37 states that she was a widow for 84 years after being married for seven years. If she married young (typical for that period), she could have been over 100 years old. Her life illustrates faithfulness and dedication, remaining steadfast despite challenges. Recognizing Jesus as the Messiah during his temple presentation highlights her spiritual insight and significance in the biblical narrative. Anna exemplifies how age can bring wisdom and enrich the community.

  
  

• Elizabeth – became the mother of John the Baptist in her old age, a miraculous event detailed in Luke 1:5-25. Despite being barren and beyond childbearing age, Elizabeth's story highlights her struggles and the societal stigma of infertility. While Zechariah was performing his priestly duties, the angel Gabriel announced that their prayers were answered: Elizabeth would conceive a son named John. This child would be great in the sight of the Lord, filled with the Holy Spirit before birth, and play a crucial role in preparing for the Messiah, underscoring his mission's importance in salvation history.

  
  
  
  

I want to also encourage you with these scriptural verses: Psalm 92:14 – "They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green." Isaiah 46:4 says, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you." One of my favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11, which states, "For I know the plans I have for you... plans to give you hope and a future."

It's time to stop listening to negative words from others; instead, focus on what God is saying about you. Sometimes, to help you stay focused on your goal, the Lord may isolate you from those whom the enemy might use to distract you. I am a living testimony of what God can do in one's life when you fix your eyes on Him and not on others. The achievements I couldn't attain in my 20s and 30s for one reason or the other have come to fruition in my 40s, and now in my 50s, I continue to move forward with God's guidance. I see myself as a lifelong learner, both spiritually and academically, and I remain on the path set by the Lord to fulfill my purpose.

I've heard stories and personally witnessed individuals in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who have experienced profound transformations in their lives. Some yearned for marriage and children, and after years of waiting and trusting in God, they saw their dreams come come to pass. Others had lifelong goals related to ministry, career, education, such as earning a Master's or PhD, and they achieved these aspirations. Even when doubted by friends and family, these individuals can now testify to God's goodness and faithfulness. "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20). So, I encourage you today—if God is calling you to return to school, start a ministry, or embark on a new career or vocation, trust that He will equip you for the journey.

Friends, God's purpose for you has no age limit. Your best days are not behind you—God is still working through you! So rise up and get busy..

Thank you for reading, and I hope this post encourages someone today. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section. If you don't have an account, you can comment as a guest without needing to register.

I remain Your in the Faith

Margaret (MKO)