Can I discover God at my old age?

Congratulations on your bravery in expressing your desire for hope and your willingness to explore new possibilities!

The short answer is Yes, you do have the time for it. Apart from the claim of any religious tradition, the Bible is clear. Hope comes from God. '"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you", says the Lord, "thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope".' (Jeremiah 29:11)

Many characters in the Bible were notably older when God summoned them, whether through a direct personal encounter or a specific mission. For instance, Noah was 600 years old at the time of the Flood (which may sound extraordinary, but people then often lived over 900 years). Similarly, Abraham was 75 when he received God's call for a blessing, and Moses was 80 when he was called at Mount Sinai to lead his people to freedom.

Women also played significant roles in ministry during their later years. Miriam, the elder sister of Moses, was likely in her late eighties or even older (their brother Aaron was 83). The Apostle Paul praises Timothy’s mother and grandmother for their strong faith. Additionally, Anna, a servant in the temple, was described as "of a great age" (Luke 2:36) when baby Jesus was presented there, specifically being 84 years old.

It’s difficult to determine exactly how well they understood God at the moment they received the call. However, it is clear that their perception of God improved significantly. Each new encounter with God, informed by past experiences, serves as a form of rediscovery. We trust that you will have a similar experience as well.

A prime illustration that aligns perfectly with your personal circumstances is the interaction Jesus had with a man named Nicodemus. According to the Bible, in the gospel of John chapter 3, the account unfolds as follows:

'Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’

The Gospel narrative illustrates how Jesus guides this elderly man to recognize the Messiah in the image of the serpent raised on the pole, mirroring Jesus' own crucifixion that would occur years later. Remarkably, it is at the cross that Nicodemus finally comprehends the purpose of Jesus, the Son of God. While many perceived the cross as a symbol of defeat and failure, Nicodemus recognised it as a triumph and a source of salvation.

Without a doubt, he moved ahead, putting his life and reputation on the line to stand up for Jesus at a moment when everyone else was either fleeing or keeping their distance. (Refer to John 19:39; see a previous attempt in John 7:50-52)

Nicodemus' experience of being born again occurred unexpectedly in his later years, fundamentally altering his prior understanding of religious experiences after reflecting on his life. His choice was timely, and it was only HOPE that could inspire such a transformation.

In summary, it's never too late to take action and say, 'I can still make a change.' Reflect on the scripture from Hebrews 3:7 and 15, as well as 4:7, which reminds us, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.' Additionally, in Ephesians, Paul encourages us to 'redeem the time' (5:16).

I invited the author of 'The journey from despair to hope' to share his views/answer to your question. Duncan Bayliss said:

'Jesus didn't want his offer of eternal life to be difficult to grasp. He said, "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live." (John 5:24, 25)

What words was He referring to? Well earlier He had said, "For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned."

Jesus' offer of eternal life is open to everyone. Whether you are 20 or 80 makes no difference compared to eternity! If Jesus has put the desire to find out more into your heart, then He will also keep His promise, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)

It would be our privilege if we can help you in some way in that journey.'

Accordingly, if you want to enrol to our Bible studies, let me introduce you to three of them, and you can choose any or all:

• Discover.
  Helping you to discover hope and meaning in these turbulent and seemingly hopeless times.

• Focus on Prophecy.
  Exploring the signs of the times and holding to the hope of a better future.

• Digging series.
  A fascinating course on archaeology aiming to see how the past projects the future (it comes in 3 parts).

We share the story of Albert and his father. Growing up in Holland, Albert listened to Bible stories in church, but when he became a teenager, he stopped believing that they were true. Attempting to read the Bible on his own brought only more confusion, but he had deep questions and was searching for logical answers. An intriguing coincidence would set him on the path of discovery and growing faith. (Adverum Productions)