Never Too Late

I’m too old to write a book; too old to begin a new career in publishing and as an inspirational speaker. I should have pursued my dream years ago when I was young and still had a chance at success. It’s too late now.

I see all these young authors at conferences and on Facebook. One young woman got a publishing contract at 17! (I don’t want to even tell you what I was doing at 17, though if my memoir is ever published and you read it, then you’ll find out).

Another young mother I know is on her seventh novel already. All I have is a blog, a couple self-published poetry books, ideas for some nonfiction books, and an unedited memoir manuscript no one wants to take a chance on.

These are the thoughts that threaten to derail my dream—the dream God has planted firmly in my heart and soul. These are the lies I’m tempted to believe. These are the demons I fight daily to continue down the road late-traveled.

Moses was almost 60 when God called him to free the Israelites from Pharaoh’s grasp.

Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90 and barren when God promised them a son who would be the beginning of a legacy they could never quantify.

Anna, the 100-year-old prophetess, was given the honor of telling Mary, Joseph, and all who would hear, how important the tiny infant Jesus would be.

Elizabeth, in her old age, birthed the one who would cry out in the wilderness and point all Jerusalem to Jesus as the Messiah.

God is not beyond using old people to further His kingdom and glorify His name. And I’m not even as old as any of these important Bible characters. So I guess He can use me, too, if He chooses.

I refuse to let the naysayers in my own head stop me. If you’re struggling with your own internal naysayers today, join me in refusing to listen or believe them. God is greater than all our shortcomings and all our doubts.

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.
Matthew 14:30–32 (NIV).