Your Journey is Not Over: Step Into the Life You Were Meant to Live
Life is often filled with challenges, changes, and moments where we may feel like we’ve missed our opportunity or that it’s too late to begin something new. We look around and see others thriving while we feel stuck in our own circumstances, doubting whether there’s still time for us to pursue our dreams, purpose, or calling.
However, one of the most powerful truths we can find in Scripture is that it’s never too late to start. No matter where we are in life, no matter how old we are, and no matter how many years have passed, God’s timing is always perfect, and His plan for our lives is still unfolding.
In the Bible, we are given numerous examples of individuals who began their journeys later in life, overcoming obstacles, challenges, and setbacks. Among the most inspiring stories is that of Joshua, a man who, at eighty-five years old, was still willing to step out in faith to claim the promise God had made to him. His story shows us that age is no barrier to the work of God in our lives.
The Power of Starting at Any Age
When we think about starting over or beginning something new, it’s easy to think of youth as the ideal time to take risks and embark on new adventures. However, the truth is that it’s never too late to begin. Scripture and real-life examples demonstrate that age is not a limitation to God’s call or to achieving great things in life.
Moses is another example of someone who started a new chapter later in life. At eighty years old, he was called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses had doubts about his abilities, feeling inadequate for such a monumental task, yet God had a plan for him that far surpassed what he could have imagined. This example shows that God doesn’t see our age or experience the same way we do. His purpose for our lives is not limited by the number of years we’ve lived.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul is another example of someone who started late in a way. Before his conversion, he persecuted Christians. Yet, after meeting Jesus, he became one of the greatest missionaries the world has ever known, spreading the gospel to nations and planting churches well into his later years.
As we reflect on these biblical stories, we can see that no matter where we are in life, God’s calling is still active, and it is never too late to start following it.
The Biblical Foundation: Joshua’s Example
Joshua’s story in the Bible is particularly powerful when we talk about starting at any age. In Joshua 14:10-12, we read about how, at eighty-five years old, Joshua was still full of strength and vigor, ready to claim the land God had promised him. Despite the challenges and the giants in the land, Joshua remained confident in God’s promise.
“Now, then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”
Joshua was not content with sitting back and relaxing after a lifetime of service. Instead, he continued to press forward in faith, trusting that God would give him the strength and victory to take the land. His attitude exemplifies the mindset we should have in every stage of life—no matter how old we are, we are never too old to step into God’s promises and pursue the purpose He has for us.
Overcoming Obstacles: Fear, Doubt, and Delay
For many people, the biggest obstacle to starting something new is the fear of failure. The idea of taking a step forward into the unknown can be paralyzing. Fear of not succeeding, fear of making mistakes, and the fear that it’s too late to start often keep us stuck where we are.
Joshua’s story reminds us that even when there are obstacles in front of us, even when the challenges seem insurmountable, God is faithful to help us overcome them. When Joshua asked for the land, he didn’t do so in his own strength. He trusted in God’s strength and power. The giants in the land were no match for the promises of God.
In the same way, God calls us to take bold steps, even when the obstacles seem great. We may not have the confidence to face challenges on our own, but God will equip us and go before us. It’s a matter of trusting Him, even when the path ahead seems unclear.
The Role of Faith in Starting Over
Faith is the driving force behind any new beginning. When we choose to trust God and believe that His plans for us are good, we step into a place of action. Faith is not passive; it is active and requires us to move forward, even when the future seems uncertain.
Joshua’s faith in God’s promises fueled his determination to take action. He believed that God would help him, just as He had promised, and he was willing to fight for what was rightfully his. When we are willing to take the first step in faith, we can be confident that God will guide us and provide what we need along the way.
God’s Purpose for Every Season
There is a time for everything in life, and God has a purpose for each season. Whether you’re in the prime of your career, raising children, or entering retirement, God’s plan for you is still unfolding. The Bible tells us that “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Each stage of life brings its own challenges and opportunities. Just because a season has passed doesn’t mean that God has forgotten about you. His purposes for your life remain intact, and He will continue to guide you as long as you are willing to follow Him.
Living with a Renewed Purpose: Finding Your Calling
If you’re feeling like it’s too late to pursue your purpose, remember that God can renew and restore your calling at any time. His plans for you are not hindered by time. Whether you’re in your twenties or your eighties, God’s purpose for you remains.
It’s important to spend time in prayer and reflection, seeking God’s guidance for the next steps in your life. Your calling may look different now than it did in the past, but it’s still there. God will reveal to you the steps you need to take, and He will equip you for the journey ahead.
Practical Steps to Begin Today
Starting today is the key to seeing God’s promises fulfilled in your life. It’s never too late to start, but the key is taking action. Begin by seeking God’s will for your life, stepping out in faith, and trusting Him to guide you. Make the most of today, for tomorrow is never guaranteed.
The Reward of Perseverance: God’s Faithfulness
When we persevere in faith, we can trust that God will reward our efforts. Joshua’s story is a testimony to God’s faithfulness. When he stepped out in faith, God gave him the victory. The same is true for us. When we step into God’s promises and pursue our calling with persistence, we can trust that God will bless our efforts.
It’s Never Too Late to Begin
No matter where you are in life, no matter what obstacles you face, it’s never too late to start. Just as Joshua did, we can trust in God’s promises and take bold steps of faith. With God’s help, we can accomplish great things, no matter our age or stage in life. So take the first step today. It’s never too late to begin, and God is ready to walk with you every step of the way.