“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” (2 Corinthians 1: 21,22 NIV)

A friend of mine wrote me a note. Within it she asked if I could please write a devotional on aging as she was finding its increasing limitations difficult to handle.

Aging can indeed be difficult. The question however is: when does aging begin? My four-year-old grand daughter is finding it difficult learning her ABC’s. My six-year-old grand daughter is struggling with those who bully her in kindergarten. Teens I know are fighting against the limitations they believe their parents are putting upon them and their much longed for independence. My middle-aged daughter and son-in-law are selling their business and embarking on a new journey of what’s next in regards to earning a living for the family. Then there’s me. I’m just getting old and like my friend dealing with the changes that come with this particular time of life.

Life is always changing and always has its’ limitations no matter who we are or what stage of aging we may be enjoying. We cannot change this truth. We can however change how we view these various stages and continue to learn how to adapt to them with grace and dignity, as God has anointed us in Christ Jesus, with all we need to live a full and victorious life according to the purpose He has called us to. We are thus assured, as the apostle Paul so aptly stated: I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

The secret to doing everything in his strength however is also to be within his will. My dad was quite fond of saying: learn to work smarter not harder. As I have aged I have come to truly understand what he meant. Age puts limitations on our physical strength and coordination. We may not be able to do certain activities as we once did. Yet, God still has a purpose for each and everyone of us. And amidst that purpose He has anointed us that we might accomplish it in His strength.

Today, if you find yourself struggling with a task which is too hard for you. Take a few moments and seek God’s will. Ask Him if this is something you really should be doing. If it isn’t then stop doing it and ask Him the best way to proceed as regards delegating the job or perhaps making life changing decisions concerning letting the job go. If He confirms it is something He is calling you to do, then pray for the wisdom to know how to best complete the task. By so doing, I have often found that there is more than one way to do the same thing: the hard way, or God’s way which is always the smart way.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your anointing which enables us to do all things which You ask of us, through Christ who strengthens us. Help each and every one of us, no matter what stage of life we are in to live our lives with grace and dignity, through the anointing power of Christ within us. May we learn to be flexible and embrace change by doing things the smart way… Your way. In Christ’s name we ask. Amen.

Lynne Phipps
Atlin, British Columbia, Canada