The Blessings of Every Age

When you're young, you can't wait to be older.

When you're older, you sometimes wish you were young again.

In this episode of FaithFuel, Bob Shaw reflects on the blessings that come with every season of life.

As he approaches 60, Bob shares some of the things he misses about being younger, along with the perspective, patience, and wisdom that often come with age.

Using Ecclesiastes 3:1, this devotional explores God's faithfulness through different seasons, the lessons learned over time, and why every stage of life has something valuable to offer.

Whether you're young, middle-aged, or well into your later years, this episode is a reminder that God is still working in your life right where you are.

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Transcript

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When you're young, you can't wait to be older. When you're older, you sometimes wish you were young again. Funny how that works. I'm Bob Shaw, and this is Faith Fuel. Ah, that's life, isn't it? Whatever season we're in, it's easy to imagine another one would be better. As I record this, I'm pushing 60, and I'm having the time of my life. Now, that doesn't mean everything about getting older is wonderful. There are definitely things I miss. Energy for one. And things I could do without, like leg cramps. In my head, I'm still thirty, but my body reminds me daily that I'm not. But there are things I would not trade. When I was younger, I was more impatient and impulsive. Reacting before thinking things through. I had strong opinions about things I didn't know very much about. Age doesn't automatically make a person wiser. We've all met older people who are still making the same mistakes they've been making for decades. But if we're walking with God, the years can teach us a few things perspective, patience, the ability to recognize what deserves our attention and what really doesn't. Ecclesiastes 3 verse 1 says, For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. One of the blessings of getting older is that you begin to see God's faithfulness across decades instead of days. You can look back and remember prayers that weren't answered the way you hoped, doors you wanted open that stayed closed, situations that made no sense at the time, and then years later you realize God knew exactly what he was doing. That's harder to see when you've only lived through a few chapters of the story. The older I get, the more evidence I have that God can be trusted, and that's such a blessing. The Bible talks about the strength of youth. It also talks about the value of wisdom that comes with age. Both have something to offer. That's why I don't think the goal is to wish we were younger or rush toward whatever comes next. God is working in this season too, the one you're in right now. Lord, thank you for being faithful through every season of life. Help us appreciate where you've placed us today, instead of constantly wishing for a different season. Give us wisdom to learn from the years you've given us and confidence to trust you with the years ahead. In Jesus' name, Amen. Whatever season of life you're in today, ask God to help you see the blessings that come with it. He hasn't stopped working in your life. And remember, you're still living part of the story God is writing. If you'd like to keep growing together, follow Faith Fuel and I'll meet you back here for another devotional. I'm Bob Shaw. Peace and joy.