Never too late
Exhausted from the day, I tried to toss my bag onto the table as I sank deep into the corner of our overstuffed couch. My brain was foggy from the seven-plus hours of all-day academic endeavors. At the time, I was 41 years old, and I had put myself on track to pursue a dream I considered dead. I was back in school pursuing a master’s degree. That afternoon I asked myself, “what have I done?”
Why did I go back? Was it out of boredom? Was I just a glutton for punishment? Or was it more?
Be certain of decisions
Whenever we tackle challenges that come later in life, our certainty in that decision will often get questioned. What was so confident the day I registered for the class was now weighing heavily on me as it sank deeper into the couch.
To answer the question, I went back for a simple reason; it was out of a desire to see something through. In the corner of my bedroom is a guitar I never learned to play, some running shoes that only saw a few miles, and countless unfinished books next to the bed. I am really good and not finishing. I am often better at never starting.
God of promises
I think we, especially us guys, kind of skate by life. We keep doing the same things and going to the same job, and maintaining the same routine. But then, one day to wake up and realize that the God-given dreams of a younger you have been washed over the grey hair in your beard that is four days past being trimmed. The reflection of the person you once were staring back in the mirror and asks this question: “where did the time go?”
That reflective reflection was me three years ago.
I believe that God is the God of promises. His Word tells us that much. I think he is also the God that allows his children choices. But, unfortunately, those options delay the work that leads to his promises that lie ahead for us. Too often, we look at life and think it is too late. We believe the lie that our opportunity has passed us by. While maybe there were missed moments, this does not have to be another one.
Read: Where’s A Place that God Can’t See Us?
Maybe going back to school is not the promise of your life, but I know this, you have promises that have not come to pass. You have God-given dreams and plans that are unfinished or even never started. Maybe it is time to step out on faith towards your dreams. Perhaps it is the season of counting the cost of what has been free for so long and paying the price of the God-given dream in your heart.
The apprentice Joshua became the leader of the people of Israel when he was at least 60 years old. Moses was 80 when he led the people out. Countless other accounts of biblical characters are told of individuals who stepped out on faith when it seemed too late.
I think my favorite is the tale of Caleb in Joshua 14. He had fought for everyone else’s promise. Finally, the land was all but settled. Israel had its home in the promised land. At 85 years young, Caleb was ready to fight one more time for the piece of land God had promised him. Like Caleb, it is never too late to take hold of what God has promised you.
It is never too late to begin the journey toward the dream God put in you. Don’t keep delaying. Step out today!
Jeff Pitts is a church planter in Cleveland, TN. He loves his family, coffee, and NEEDTOBREATHE.
