“Now here I am, eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was the day Moses sent me out, and I am just as ready to fight now as I was then. So give me the mountain country the LORD promised me that day long ago.” Joshua 14:10-12 (NCV)
It’s never too late to follow God’s calling on your life.
After Moses sent 12 spies into the Promised Land, they returned and reported that the land was too hard a place for God’s people to settle. And because of their unbelief, the Israelites wandered around in the desert for another 40 years. An entire generation died because they did not believe in God’s promises. But Caleb and Joshua believed, so they got to live.
When the Israelites returned to the Promised Land 40 years later, Caleb said, “Now here I am, eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was the day Moses sent me out, and I am just as ready to fight now as I was then. So give me the mountain country the LORD promised me that day long ago” (Joshua 14:10-12 NCV).
“Give me the mountain country”—I love that! The land Caleb wanted was full of giants and cities fortified with great walls. He was essentially saying to God, “Give me the biggest assignment. Give me the hardest city. Give me the place with the biggest giants. Give me the mountain regions. I don’t want some easy place. I know I’m 85 years old, but I’ve still got it in me to do great things for you.”
In the greeting card section of a store, they have an entire section that offers birthday cards for the 80th, 85th, 90th, 95th, and even 100th birthdays! Growing up, I don't remember seeing those kinds of cards, because most people didn’t live that long. But now, life expectancy is much higher.
As an older adult, many may think it’s time to hang it up. But what I'm learning is that it’s time to get it down and dust it off! Do I think God is going to let me live 30 more years just to play golf?
Here’s a word that’s not in the Bible: retirement. While I may stop working I will keep serving the Lord. I have more wisdom and experience now than when I was younger, and God is not going to waste that.
At the age of 85, Caleb began the greatest mission of his life. Moses was 80 when God called him to set God’s people free. Abraham was 79 when he received God’s call.
With me getting closer to the the Caleb generation, I'm finding that it’s never too late to start on my life calling. The best is yet to come!
In summary:
Caleb’s story in Joshua 14:10–12 is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to step into God’s calling. At 85 years old, he boldly declared he was just as strong and ready as ever to take on the most difficult challenges—the mountain country filled with giants—because he believed in God’s promise. While others gave up or settled, Caleb pressed forward with faith, proving that age is not a barrier to purpose. Like Caleb, I’m realizing that growing older doesn’t mean slowing down spiritually—it means stepping into greater wisdom, strength, and impact. Retirement from a job may come, but there’s no retirement from serving God. The best is not behind me—it’s ahead.
Bottom Line:
It’s never too late to pursue God’s calling—no matter your age, your strength and purpose are still alive when your faith is strong.
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