Why is it that I finally have recognized the gift/purpose God has given me at the age of 60? I work daily to spread this gift to as many as possible! Why do some of us realize our purpose later in life?
Understanding the Role of Spiritual Maturity
There could be many reasons depending on your walk with Jesus, but the numerical age has nothing to do with it. Spiritual maturity is one of the biggest reasons. At age 60, you are now spiritually mature and ready to handle God's task for this season of your life. Your plans have now aligned with His purpose and plan for you.
Historical Examples of Spiritual Maturity
From the Bible, we see that spiritual maturity often comes earlier than one might think. Mary, a young girl, was chosen to be the mother of Christ because of her spiritual maturity. She was in full submission to God (Luke 1:38). David was a young boy when he slayed Goliath. He had the spiritual maturity and bold faith in God to step up to the task (1 Samuel 17). This example is also seen with the disciples, who were older than Mary and David but needed time to mature spiritually (John 1:43).
Personal Growth and Purpose
It is a mistake to associate age with maturity. Sometimes, the choices we make earlier in life focus our attention on human influences, leading us logically towards goals others select for us. However, as you may have experienced, events can instigate a reevaluation of our life direction. When you act on your instinctive soul choices, it opens up the path you need to walk.
Realigning with God's Purpose
It's also a possibility that your main purpose wasn’t planned to start early in life and that you have achieved other smaller goals but not yet your main one. I was fifty when my path became clear, but it's amazing how much you can achieve once you are focused with your heart and soul. Realizing that your gifts are for sharing is a critical part of your journey on Earth. It's your responsibility to make life better in whatever way is appropriate to the skills you have and those you develop.
Embracing God's Guidance
God's guidance and power will help you realize strengths you never realized you had and achieve goals you never imagined you would. Never doubt that you can achieve them. Enjoy the journey, because the path may not always be clear, but it will lead you to fulfillment and purpose. Know that your journey is a reflection of God's plan for your life, and trust in that plan to guide you forward.