7 Important Points to Remember That Age Shouldn't Stop You From Making a Lasting Impact

by Dr. Mark Wash

As you age, you might notice yourself feeling more fatigued and having a less hectic schedule, especially if you are retired and your children have grown up. It's easy to believe that your prime years have passed. However, the reality is that each day is a gift from God and holds immense potential. Regardless of your age, you can create a positive and enduring impact with your decisions. Age does not limit God, and it shouldn't limit you either when you have a strong connection with Him. Below, you will find seven key points indicating that you're never too old to leave a lasting imprint on the world.

 

#1 God has not completed His work with you.

Feeling forgotten or disregarded as you age can be agonizing, but rest assured that God will never overlook or abandon you. He constantly watches over you, understands you, and continues to work through you.

 

And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar [gray] hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. (Isaiah 46:4).

 

God's plans for you do not diminish with age. His love and guidance do not cease as you grow older. Some of God's most significant work may occur in the latter stages of your life. You still have valuable lessons to learn, individuals to love, and ways to serve. Every new day is a precious gift and a divine purpose from God. Therefore, take heart in knowing that you are still God's cherished child, with significant contributions to make. Make it a habit to seek God's assistance in fulfilling your purpose effectively so that you can continue to shine your light as brightly as possible in the midst of our broken world. Pray specifically about the ways in which God wants you to continue loving and serving others, and keep progressing as you follow God's daily guidance. Remember, God's work in you is ongoing. Let each day be a fresh opportunity to walk alongside God in new ways and engage in His work, bringing hope to our world.

 

#2 God still has tasks for you to accomplish.

Assuming that growing older means stepping back from important roles in God's kingdom may be a common belief, but the Bible presents a different narrative. Throughout history, God has often chosen older individuals to accomplish significant tasks. For instance, Moses was 80 years old when he was called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

 

Moses was fourscore years [80 years old] old, and Aaron fourscore and three years [83 years old] old, when they spake unto Pharaoh (Exodus 7:7).

 

Advancing in age did not disqualify these individuals; instead, it was a part of God's plan for them to play vital roles. While you may not be tasked with leading a nation, you can still have a profound impact on others through prayer, wisdom, and encouragement.

 

Your life experiences hold valuable lessons that younger generations can learn from. Your ability to seek God in all circumstances, whether good or bad, is a faith that is precious in a fast-paced world that often loses sight of what truly matters. Focus on what holds eternal significance, and allow your faith to guide you in fulfilling the work that God has set before you.

 

Do not underestimate the impact of small acts of service or the importance of uplifting and supporting younger believers as they navigate their paths in God's kingdom.

 

Philippians 1:6 provides assurance that the beneficial work that God has begun in you will be carried through to completion. In this passage, Paul writes, . . . that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6).

 

Though your physical strength may wane with age, your spiritual strength has the potential to deepen. You can continue to listen, support, teach, and pray, as God still has a purpose for you, and the world still requires the unique contributions that only you can offer.

 

#3 Your wisdom is a valuable contribution to future generations.

As a mature Christian, a significant way to impact others is by imparting God's wisdom and guiding younger individuals on the path of continuous learning. Your journey with God through various life stages has equipped you to help others have faith and reliance on God in their journeys.

 

That the aged men be sober [self-controlled], grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity [love], in patience [endurance]. The aged [older] women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, . . . (Titus 2:2,3).

 

Your experiences can serve as a guide for younger believers to live wisely as they discover and fulfill God's purposes for their lives on a daily basis. Your ability to endure and trust in God amidst various changes over the years can be an inspiration to others. Sharing personal stories of how God has worked in your life over time can provide the encouragement that someone else may need. Offering mentorship, leading a Bible study, or simply lending an ear and giving advice during conversations are other valuable ways to pass on your wisdom to those who can benefit from it.

 

Don't underestimate the value of your insight; you have accumulated a wealth of wisdom through your walk with Jesus. You can compassionately share about God in ways that less experienced individuals cannot. Additionally, you can assist younger believers in understanding how to pray and patiently await God's responses in all situations.

 

Speaking of older people, the psalmist writes, They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing (Psalm 92:14).

 

Your life will continue to be productive when you share the blessings that God has brought to it. Do not hoard that valuable treasure! Your journey carries teachings that younger generations would benefit from hearing.

 

#4 Prayer holds significant power in ministry.

You can still pray, which is a vital contribution, even if you can't do the same ministry activities as before. Prayer holds significant power and has a wide-ranging impact in serving God.

 

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)

 

By praying, you have the potential to create a lasting impact on people worldwide, reaching across generations. Your prayers can be directed toward your family, church, community, and anyone in need at any given moment. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize prayer in your daily routine.

 

Make a conscious effort to pray regularly at specific times, like morning or bedtime, and seize opportunities to pray spontaneously whenever someone or something comes to mind. God encourages you to bring all your concerns to Him through prayer.

 

Entrust everything to God and have faith in His ability to intervene in any situation. Many individuals in the Bible, including elderly figures like Anna, exemplified serving God through prayer. Anna, a widow, devoted her time to worship and prayer in the temple.

 

Luke 2:27 says, . . . which departed not from the temple [Anna never left the temple], but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

 

God recognized her dedication, which led her to encounter baby Jesus. Your commitment to praying is powerful. You can pray for numerous significant matters and individuals who need your support. Though you may not witness all the outcomes, God will consistently respond to your petitions. God hears your prayers and knows you are sincere, even if you think no one is paying attention. Each time you communicate with God through prayer, you are having a positive and lasting impact.

 

#5 The faithfulness of God is evident in your life.

Experiencing a lengthy life with a strong faith in God serves as a profound testament. Each wrinkle and gray hair serves as a reminder of the life lessons accumulated as someone who has had a long-standing connection with Jesus.

 

Psalm 71:18, Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.

 

You may not always feel strong, but your life demonstrates that God keeps his promises. By sharing your experiences of how God helped you through hardships and provided for you, you uphold the image of God's faithfulness. People benefit from hearing personal accounts of trusting in God, and you have such stories to offer.

 

Your stories carry a greater impact than any sermon because you embody them in your daily life. When you recount how God has remained loyal to you, you motivate others to continue relying on Him in their challenges. You serve as a living testament to how our compassionate Heavenly Father supports his children in every aspect of their lives. Your steadfast commitment exemplifies that a lifelong journey with God is not just achievable but also rewarding.

 

#6 Giving encouragement is a gift that lasts.

Offering support to someone during a conversation, through a message, or on a phone call might appear straightforward, but it has the power to make a profound impact on someone's life.

 

Hebrews 3:13, But exhort [encourage] one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

 

Having experienced life's highs and lows, you possess a profound understanding of the impact a kind word or gesture can have in uplifting people. By offering encouragement, you affirm individuals, making them feel valued and supported. Your actions help motivate them to persevere. There are diverse ways to encourage others, guided by your faith.

 

You may share a passage from the Bible, lend a compassionate ear without passing judgment, assure others of your prayers, or assist with practical needs during times of crisis. Additionally, simply being present and actively engaging with individuals can serve as a form of encouragement.

 

It is essential for people to feel a sense of connection and support. Encouragement fosters a sense of community and strengthens relationships among those cherished by God. Regardless of your age, you have the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful work on a daily basis.

 

#7 Your impact can lead others to Jesus.

Passing down a legacy means transmitting love, faith, and values to others once you have finished your time on Earth.

 

Proverbs 13:22 states, A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: . . .

 

That inheritance is spiritual. Therefore, regardless of the amount of money or material possessions you may be able to bestow upon others in the afterlife, what truly matters is the spiritual legacy you leave behind for people. Every act of kindness, every lesson taught, and every prayer offered contributes to the lasting impact you create.

 

You are constructing something that transcends your earthly existence. So, strive each day to live virtuously and set a positive example for others even after you have passed away. Choose actions that will enrich future generations' understanding of Jesus as they reminisce about your life. It is never too late to establish a legacy. If your actions bring even one person closer to Jesus, it will have an everlasting effect!

 

Your age should not restrict you, as it can serve as a vital platform to leave a lasting impact in God's realm. Your accumulated life experiences from your journey with Jesus can greatly benefit younger individuals through your shared wisdom. Even in moments of weariness or despondency, have faith that God continues to work through you. Keep striving to let your life serve as a source of inspiration and make an eternal positive difference in the world!