Ageless Ministry

 “There’s no place for me in the Lord’s service now, at my age and with my limitations. Let the young folks do it.”  Have these remarks made their way into our conversations?  Is age an excuse to drop out, or can we still be productive?  Here are some service-extending suggestions.

1.  Plan   Know your gift(s). Aging often brings limitations to service style—sometimes gradual, sometimes dramatic, but we can still serve using our gifts, even if modified.  Can you help with grandchildren by sharing your faith or giving care?  We can still be leaders in our family.   Moses was eighty when he and his brother Aaron became God’s servant leaders to Israel (Exodus 7:7).
2. Pray   Ask God to allow you to continue in His service.  No matter our age, we can respond like Isaiah, “Here I am. Send me,” (Isaiah 6:8 HCSB).  This means in whatever capacity He can use us according to our ability.
   
3. Trust    God will not leave your side or your ministry just because you are forced to alter, scale down, or stop your service for a season due to life or health changes.  Paul was older when he wrote some of the Epistles. But throughout each, he wrote of his continued trust in the Lord.  Philippians 1:6 reminds us that, “…He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
4. Adjust   When we, for example, are able no longer to visit nursing homes or hospitals, we can make phone calls and send cards.  If speaking becomes difficult, we can continue on with an intercessory prayer ministry.

Our service to the Lord does not have a retirement date.  Many are waiting for a touch of kindness and the Good News of salvation through Christ. You still have a place of service.  Why not take it today?