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Imagine learning to swim at age seventy-one. Or marrying your high school sweetheart at seventy-three. Or winning your first election to the U.S. House of Representatives at seventy-eight. They all learned it’s not too late.  

The first two examples are ladies I know. The third is James B. Bowler, the oldest known freshman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, who was then re-elected to serve two more terms.

I am inspired by people who positively impact society or pursue exciting new opportunities well into their seventies, eighties, and beyond. It takes a lot of grit to ignore preconceived expectations of how seniors should live their lives. People often tell them to slow down, not take risks, and be satisfied with the status quo. But there is nothing in God’s Word that says we should shrink back and no longer have dreams once we reach a certain age.

Caleb was a bold forty-year-old when Moses instructed him and eleven fellow leaders to spy out the Promised Land. Returning from the expedition, he said to the people, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”

But because of the negative report by the majority, Caleb had to wait until a generation of faithless and fearful Israelites died before he received his portion of the land. Although he was eighty-five when God fulfilled his dream, Caleb declared he was as strong at that age as when he first saw the land as a young man.

Caleb is a powerful role model for people who, at midlife and older, still serve God in significant ways and receive the fullness of His blessings.

Think of a God-given purpose, dream, or desire you are waiting for God to spring forth in your life. Then, don’t give up.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay and silviarita.)