You are never too old to be useful in ministry. Remember, your desire to minister comes from God, and He isn’t depending on your resources to complete the task. He will give you the power and the opportunities to fulfill that desire—regardless of your age. Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you (energizing and creating in you the power and desire), both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.” 

God is looking for availability, not ability—and that removes age from the equation. He looks for those who make themselves available, and He never disqualifies based on ability, resources or age.

Consider just three of many biblical examples: Moses, Caleb and Joshua. When Moses died at 120 years old, “his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever” (Deuteronomy 34:7). Though Caleb was old when the Israelites came into the Promised Land, “The town of Hebron was given to Caleb…And Caleb drove out the people living there, who were descendants of the three sons of Anak” (Judges 1:20). Joshua declared 45 years after he had been sent as a spy into Canaan: “I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then” (Joshua 14:11).

And you have an advantage over any of those three faith giants. The covenant you have as a New Testament believer is a better covenant than those mighty men had. You are energized by the resurrection power of God (Romans 8:11) and enabled by the Holy Spirit (1 John 4:4). How much more will God use you as you walk in the victory obtained by Christ! Start by making yourself available to God for personal ministry to those you come in contact with every day—your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. As you are faithful to do this, God will move in your behalf and bring other opportunities. We encourage you to begin where you are and allow God to raise you up (Psalm 75:6-7).