Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old!
Joshua 14:10
When we depend on God, He gives us strength for each season of our lives. He is not concerned with how old we are in numeric terms. He is concerned with how mature we are in Him. Throughout our lives, the Lord calls us to serve Him as part of His army of soldiers. We never retire from God’s army. Joshua was over 85 years old when the Lord spoke to him in Joshua 13:1. There was a lot of work yet to be accomplished for the Lord.
Large areas of land still needed to be taken, and these lands needed to be divided up among the tribes.
Joshua and the apostle Paul both knew that their years were numbered, yet a vast amount of work remained to be accomplished to fulfill God’s purposes. Throughout their lives, both continued to fight the battles that were before them. Joshua continued to work into his old age to fulfill what God had called him to do. I imagine there were times when both men were tired or discouraged or felt like giving up before their tasks were completed.
Yet God gave them the strength to persevere. The Lord has numbered our days and has given us all a purpose to glorify Him on this earth and to spread His Word. As I write this devotional, I feel as though there are not enough hours in the day. Yet, the Lord reassures me that I can seek Him and His strength, that I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me, and that He will renew my strength each day. (Philippians 4:13) As I depend on Him, I will be able to accomplish all of the things He would have me do. It is the same for you.
Remember, retirement is not an option for a child of the King!
Heavenly Father,
Strengthen me to do the things You have called me to do. Help me to remember that I can do all things through You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
