Read: Job 42:10-17
The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning. (v. 12)
I’m not yet to the latter season in terms of life expectancy, so I won’t pretend to be an expert on it. What I do know, though, is how I watch and admire those who continue to live well, and love well, late in life. The sweet, understanding smile of an older woman, the word of encouragement from a man full of years. These are the gifts that bless younger generations.
However, this season of life also presents many challenges: the loss of ability or health, the loss of friends and family and the loneliness that comes with it. It’s tempting to think we can live well and love well only when things are going well. We know that’s not God’s mindset. He calls us to live according to his ways even in the hard times (Heb. 10:32-39).
The book of Job reminds us that there was once a man who endured more loss than we can imagine, faster than we can imagine, and in more extreme ways than we can imagine. That same man remained faithful to God. As he sat in the ashes he questioned God, but he never renounced his belief in the Almighty. His faith demonstrated his unwavering trust in God to those around him, and it does to us today.
If you are in the latter stage of life, are you living well and loving well? How can you use your experience to be a testament to God’s lifelong care for you?
As you pray, thank God for the opportunities you have to testify to God’s faithfulness.
Joy Petroelje serves as the Advancement Operations Manager for CURE International, a global nonprofit organization. Aside from work, she enjoys spending time with her family, coffee with friends, reading, and traveling local trails on foot.
