God’s Not Done with You

Harland Sanders was born in 1890 near Henryville, Indiana. He grew up facing hardships, taking on adult responsibilities early after his father died. Throughout his life, he worked an array of jobs: farmhand, soldier, streetcar conductor, railroad worker, salesman, and lawyer, rarely finding long term stability. Yet he never stopped searching for an opportunity that fit.

That opportunity finally arrived in his 40s when he began cooking for travelers at a gas station in Corbin, Kentucky. His homemade meals became so popular that he opened a small restaurant and developed the pressure fried chicken and secret spice blend that would later become known as “Kentucky Fried Chicken.”

It was not until Sanders’ late 60s that KFC made a worldwide impact. Sanders did not build his empire in his youth. He built it in his senior years. His story stands as a powerful reminder that age is never an excuse to stop pursuing a dream that God has placed in your heart.

In a similar way, age has a way of whispering lies to us…

• “Your best days are behind you.”

• “You have done enough. Someone younger can take it from here.”

• “Just settle down. God surely is not expecting much from you now.”

However, Scripture cuts straight through those lies with a beam of truth. Joshua was likely between 80 and 90 years old when God spoke these words to him in Book of Joshua 13:1.

By any earthly measure, Joshua’s résumé was full: battles won, faith proven, leadership demonstrated. Yet when God looked at Joshua, He did not see a man who was finished. He saw a man He could still use.

God said, “There is still much land to be conquered.”

In other words, “Yes, Joshua, you are an old man, but get up, pal. I am not done with you!”

The world retires people. God reassigns them. The world sees limits. God sees availability. The world measures age. God measures obedience.

Joshua’s story teaches us that God does not shelve His children because of their age. He empowers them in every season for His purpose. If anything, age often sharpens what youth cannot: wisdom, perspective, steadiness, patience, and an ear tuned to God’s voice.

Listen closely: the same is true for you. Whether you are entering your later years or simply feel past your prime, hear this truth:

“If you are still breathing, God is still building.”

There is land yet to conquer. There are prayers yet to pray. There are people yet to disciple. Lives to encourage. Wisdom to pass on. Kingdom work to engage in. Battles still needing a seasoned warrior.

Do not let your age become an excuse to retreat to the sidelines, or to your sofa. Do not quit. Do not give up. Do not put life on cruise control. Do not assume God has moved on to someone younger. God does not look at your ability. He is looking for your availability. Finish well.

Submit. Surrender. Obey. Stay faithful. Keep saying yes to the One who never stops working through surrendered hearts.

God is not finished with you. Not today. Not at your age. Not ever, until He calls you home.

Just ask Joshua when you see him.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.