Still Breathing, Still Called

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2 Corinthians 4:16 — That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.

The other day, I caught myself thinking, Well, Tammy, you’re a whole lot closer to the tomb than you are the womb.

If that doesn’t make you want to eat a Little Debbie snack cake and crawl back into bed, I don’t know what will.

I can get discouraged when I look at my life and wonder what I’ve really accomplished.

I’m supposedly in my golden years, but nobody told me gold came with reading glasses, knee pain, and a deep appreciation for a good orthopedic shoe.

I didn’t become a famous singer.

I never won an Olympic medal.

I still can’t fold a fitted sheet.

But somewhere in all that, God reminded me of something better.

While this body may be wearing down a little, God is still renewing me every day.

He’s renewing my purpose.

He’s renewing my perspective.

He’s reminding me that my life isn’t measured by what the world considers impressive.

He doesn’t measure my life by applause, but by obedience.

Not by achievements, but by faithfulness.

Did I love people?

Did I encourage someone?

Did I point somebody toward Jesus?

That’s the kind of life that matters.

Moses was eighty when God called him to lead Israel. Abraham was one hundred when Isaac was born. Scripture is full of people who discovered that God’s purposes don’t come with an expiration date.

God has never been in a hurry, and He has never stopped giving purpose to willing hearts.

So yes, maybe I’m closer to the tomb than I am the womb.

But I’m also closer to heaven than I’ve ever been before.

And that’s not something to be discouraged about.

That’s something to celebrate.

If God is still giving you breath, He’s still giving you purpose.

So instead of counting what you’ve accomplished, start counting the opportunities you have today to faithfully love, serve, encourage, and obey Him.

Your body may be getting older, but your spirit can still be growing.

And maybe—just maybe—we’ve still got a few more adventures left in us after all.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What tends to discourage you when you think about getting older or looking back on your life?
  • How does 2 Corinthians 4:16 change the way you think about aging?
  • Where do you see God renewing your purpose, perspective, or faith right now?
  • Are you measuring your life more by achievement or faithfulness? Why?
  • What is one opportunity you have today to love, encourage, serve, or point someone toward Jesus?
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