One day, everyone will reach a point where they cannot do what they used to do. Be it health issues, psychological reasons, or age restrictions, some will find themselves watching the world go by from the sidelines.
However, if a sidelined person is a Christian, quitting and not making a spiritual difference in this world should not be an option. No one is saved to sit and soak in God’s goodness.
We are saved to stand and serve. No age or Bible health restriction tells a Christian, “Okay, you have done your part, now sit down and relax.”
Often, when a tire has little tread life, there is a way to keep it in service. There still can be a use for it.
A worker removes the tire’s outer layer. If the supporting radial fibers are still intact, a new tread can be adhered to them, allowing the critical part of the car to be used again. It may not be suitable for a racecar, but it can still be used.
If the steel cords in the tire are damaged, there is still use for it. It can be used for a child’s backyard tire swing or a bumper for boats approaching a dock. It still can be used somehow.
The same should be applied to a wounded or aged Christian. If the desire to still do something for the Lord remains, the believer should not be sidelined There is something he or she can still do. A Christian can still be repurposed.
The set-apart Christian is valuable in God’s eyes. The seasoned saint has learned a lot from God’s Word, how to apply it, and how the Lord’s intervention can make a difference. Their faith had been tested by many fires and disasters, but it relied on the Lord and stayed true to Him. Their spiritual experience can be utilized in ways a newer Christian is not qualified.
That kind of seasoned spiritual experience is important and should not be shelved. There is still a use for it in others’ lives. The Christian must find what they are to do in the different stage of their life.
After realizing they still have a true desire to continue doing something for the Lord, the first step would be to immediately go to the One who guided them through their past. “What is it you would have me do now, oh Lord?” It may take some patience to wait for His direction, but it will come. God will not waste the life of a valued spiritual warrior.
But, while you are waiting on the Lord’s new direction in your life, do whatever opportunity crosses your path. Often, the reward for service is more service to a faithful, willing, obedient believer. Those who are reluctant to fulfill a need they saw may not have any other opportunities given to them.
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” Romans 12:11-12
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
“Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” Ephesians 6:6-8
Perhaps there will be an opportunity to visit one in a nursing home. One never knows that one’s heart may be stirred at the needs there, and make that one’s new ministry.
A young mother may need someone to help her manage her children. There is a great need for that, and a spiritual person could give much encouragement to an exhausted mother.
A disabled church visitor may be sitting all alone in the church, as many do not know how to act around that person, so they stay away. That person may need a friend, and that is an area where one may feel burdened to fulfill that person’s need. (By the way, everyone needs a friend. Find a person sitting by themselves and spend time with them.)
Perhaps a Sunday school class has few students. That would be an excellent opportunity to encourage the teacher by offering to visit neighborhoods and children to grow that ministry.
Prayer can change everything. Hearing all the needs can burden one to change situations by calling on the Lord on behalf of others. Summoning God’s help can make a big difference in lives. No matter one’s handicap or situation, one can commit oneself to be a reliable, consistent prayer warrior!
Everywhere there are needs. God did not call any Christian to sit and just look. While you still have a breath, there are opportunities for an experienced Christian to go and help for the Glory of God. Go, you can make a difference for the cause of Christ.
“Retire doesn’t have to mean ‘to withdraw, to retreat, or to recede from life.’ It could mean to discard what used to be done, and repurpose oneself in a new, different way for the glory of God.”
— Brinkworth
