In a society that holds being young in such high regard, it is easy for those who are older to feel that they are being “put out to pasture.” Meaning that they no longer have any contribution to make and so they will coast out their days. Some do this by living it up indulging their flesh and others by just enduring each day waiting to die. Neither extreme is the will of God.
We can enjoy life and we can have quiet restful moments as long as we continue to make the contributions in this life that we are put on the earth to make. What we do for the glory of God may change as we move through the many stages in life but they are no less significant in the Kingdom of God. Our purpose is not fulfilled until our days are ended. If we still have life, we still have purpose. God is faithful to give us what we need at every stage to fulfill our purpose.
SCRIPTURAL EXPLORATION
The Psalmist states in Psalm 37:25, “I have been young and now I am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread.” (NASB) This speaks of the faithfulness of God no matter what stage of life we find ourselves. God is not finished with us until we are finished, after which we go to receive our rewards. God has a plan for us and as long we have breath, we have purpose. We may become weary in the journey but that doesn’t mean that we are finished. It just means that we become more dependent on God.
Isaiah 40:31 offers this promise:
“Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”
The key to this promise is found in the first part of the verse – “Yet those who wait for the LORD.” The use of the word, “yet,” signifies a contrast. To discover the contrast, we must look at the previous verse or verses. In the previous verse, it says that youths can “grow weary and tired” and even young men can “stumble badly”. So, tiredness and stumbling are not just found among those who are older but even young people can have the same experience.
The contrast here is that the youths and young men grow weary functioning out of their own effort and strength as opposed to the power and strength that the everlasting God can give (see verse 29).
Which brings us to the next part and the key to verse 31 – “those who wait for the LORD.” This phrase reveals the condition to the fulfillment of the promise that follows. It indicates by the use of the word, “those,” that this promise is for everyone, young or old, rich or poor who will “wait for the LORD.”
This begs the question, “What does it mean to “wait for the LORD?” The Hebrew term “wait for” literally means “to bind together,” “perhaps by twisting…as with a rope.” (Strongs Exhaustive Concordance) It came to mean “to expect” or “hope for.”
As we intertwine our hearts and desires with God’s heart expressed in His word – the Bible, we receive His strength that surpasses in endurance, power and persistence. As expressed in my last post, it comes from total submission and dependence upon God. Those who place their total trust in God will experience the promise. The promise is “new strength.” The Hebrew word “new,” is the idea of that which is from another source. It is that which has been “passed on” or has “sprung up.” (Strongs)
In other words, it is a strength that is from a source outside of ourselves (God) that is being passed on or given to those who place their trust in God and His power. The rest of the promise – “mount up with wings like eagles, .. run and not get tired, … walk and not become weary,” indicates that power and endurance can be experienced no matter where you are in your life’s journey.
THE CHALLENGE
No matter what age you are, God’s strength is available for you to live out your purpose with endurance and strength to overcome every obstacle. Place your hope and trust in God. Set your affections on Him. Delight in Him. Read your Bible and learn of Him. Hold on to His promises. He does not lie and He has all power to fulfill that which He promises. (Isa. 55:11). Look to Him for your strength to continue and to persevere.
As long as you have life, you are not finished! Whether you are 19 or 95 and beyond, there is work for you to do in the kingdom. Do it with all HIS might! (Ephesians 3:20)
Shalom!
