For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him– Genesis 21:2
Abraham was 100 years old when his son Isaac was born. Sarah, Abraham’s wife, was well past her child-bearing years when Isaac was conceived.
It is evident that no one was more surprised by this event than Abraham and Sarah themselves. Sarah even says, shortly afterward, “Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age” (7).
It truly was an amazing and unthinkable blessing, that God would help Abraham and Sarah to see, even in their old age, fruitfulness.
But many elderly men and women today seem equally surprised at the possibility that God could use or bless them, when they seem to be past the most fruitful, and productive, and energetic years of their lives. But, while God may not give them the ability to bear children at 100 years old, God is still able to use them mightily and joyfully in his kingdom.
Perhaps you don’t have the strength you used to have. Perhaps you don’t feel as useful in the church as you once were. But there are still prayers to be offered up, grandchildren and great grandchildren to be taught the ways of God, and encouraging phone calls and visits to be made.
God can make you fruitful, even in your old age. Sarah was so shocked by this revelation, she literally giggled with glee. She said, “God has made me laugh.” May you find the joy of godly usefulness, even in old age.
