by Julie Zine Coleman @JulieZColeman

At a women’s writers and speakers conference, we given a 3×5 card to record any of Satan’s lies that were preventing us from moving forward in our calling. An older woman stepped up to the open mic to share her fears.

“I have been afraid that I am too old to be trying to publish and grow a platform,” she tearfully confessed. “But God just told me I will never be too old to obey His calling.”

I was just 50, contemplating early retirement in order to go to seminary. Back then I couldn’t imagine letting my age intimidate me in following the Lord’s direction. But now, these many years later, at the ripe old age of 68, I get it. I’m increasingly aware of some physical limitations. My memory is not as sharp. I often feel a bit behind the times.

Our society places a value in youth. We all love the fresh ideas and enthusiasm young people can bring to the table. Conversely, there can be a general perception that old means worn out or unproductive. The older generation are the ones that struggle to work their phones or easily get scammed on the internet. In this fast-paced world, the elderly can seem like more of a burden than an asset.

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none” inject=”#Writing #Writinglife #BRMCWC”]Too Old To Write? by @JulieZColeman on @BRMCWC[/tweet_box]

But that is not how Scripture speaks of the aged. The Psalms tell us that God’s righteous ones “will flourish in the courtyards of our God. They will still yield fruit in advanced age; they will be full of sap and very green, to declare that the Lord is just; He is my rock, and there is no malice in Him.” Psalm 92:14-15 NASB

Even when encased in an aging body, God’s sons and daughters have plenty of life still in them. They will still be compelled to declare God’s justice and faithfulness. God will remain their rock, through their various medical conditions or frustrating mental decline. In other words, the old will…flourish. And bear fruit.

My friend Linda was bringing the keynote speaker for a conference into the auditorium. As they made their way to the front, he got a good look at the assembling group. “All of these women writers and speakers are middle-aged or older,” he observed. “Where are all the young ones?”

Linda was unphased by his criticism. “Because it usually takes a long-held relationship with God, experiences of His faithfulness and times when He has revealed Himself, to actually have something to say.”

Age doesn’t have to be a liability or a burden. It can be an asset, especially to those who do not yet have that kind of experience and wisdom to share.

My fellow writer, are you feeling used up and spent? That God can’t possibly want you to be a voice for Him in light of your station in life? That maybe you should leave the writing to the younger generations with their new ideas and ability to stay in step with the times?

Here’s the reality: if you have been walking with God, He has been preparing you for a time such as this. He has been at work refining, teaching, and developing your ability to trust in His faithfulness and goodness. We have become attuned to His Spirit and His fruit is evident in our lives.

In short, He has been investing in you, patiently bringing you to spiritual maturity. When we seek Him, ask Him for the grace, ability, and strength to carry out what He has called us to do, He will answer. Don’t allow the world to dictate your perception. Take your cue from His Word. We can still bear fruit—fruit that can be eternal in value.

Julie Zine Coleman is an award-winning author, speaker, and member of the Pastoral Team at New Hope Chapel. She is the managing editor for the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association’s devotional website, Arise Daily. Julie holds a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and has authored four books including Unexpected Love: God’s Heart Revealed through Jesus’ Conversations with Women and On Purpose: Understanding God’s Freedom for Women through Scripture, which was named The Golden Scrolls Book of the Year as well as The Selah Awards’ Director’s Choice. Julie and her husband have four grown children, six grandchildren, and one crazy Golden Retriever puppy.