Isaiah 46:4
And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.
I feel compelled to share a message of hope, of courage, and of encouragement as we collectively navigate the often-daunting passage of life. The topic today is one that is close to all our hearts, and it is this: dealing with the process of aging, and the perceived loss of acuity that comes with it.
Let me start with a passage from the Bible, from Proverbs, Chapter 16, Verse 31. It says, "Gray hair is a crown of
glory; we gain it in a righteous life." This verse suggests that
getting older should not be seen as a burden or an ailment, but as an honour, a
reward for a life lived under God's teachings.
In this world, where youth and vitality are often
glorified, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the changes that come with old age. Losing
physical strength or disability, the slowing down of our cognitive functions, and the sense
of being less sharp may leave us feeling vulnerable. However, I stand before
you to reaffirm that God has a plan for everyone, regardless of their age
or abilities.
As we age, it is common to become more forgetful, less
nimble, and perhaps a touch slower in our movements. But let us not forget
Paul's message in 2 Corinthians 4:16: “Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even
though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by
day.” Our bodies may show the signs of age, but our spirits, our inner
selves, are renewed every day! It is God reminding us that though our physical
abilities may wane, our spiritual strengths flourish.
Our society has a way of equating sharpness with worth. But
the wisdom and experience that come with age are no less valuable than the
vigour and agility of youth. The world may tell you to fear aging, but our
Father assures us of the worth and beauty of every season of life. We are His
creations, made in His image. He creates nothing without value, meaning, or
purpose.
Remember, fellow believers, spiritual sharpness is the most
significant form of acuity. As we age, our years of walking with God, of
overcoming trials and tribulations, of witnessing His goodness, add layers of
spiritual wisdom and depth to us. Just as an oyster requires time to transform
a grain of sand into a precious pearl, so too does our ageing process refine our spiritual pearls of wisdom.
Jesus did not choose His disciples based on their youth or
their sharpness of mind; He chose them for their willingness to follow Him, to
learn and grow spiritually. He sought men who sought God. And so, let us measure our worth not in our physical sharpness but in our spiritual
sharpening.
In conclusion, I urge you to embrace the passage of time. It
is a wonderful gift from God. The process of aging is not a punishment, but a
reward for the life we have lived. Let us, therefore, face each new day with
gratitude and with a heart full of hope. Let us treasure the wisdom that comes
with age and share it generously with those around us. After all, we are all
part of God's grand design, continually being shaped and sharpened for His purposes.
Remember this, my dear friends. Age does not define us; God does. There is no expiry date on God’s love and purpose for us, and it is a purpose unique to every one of us.