I recently had a birthday, and it’s no surprise to me that 55 no longer sounds “young.” I get it. In my own youth, I can easily recall thinking that anyone over 50 is assuredly “old.” Now that I’m here, though, I’m celebrating the fact that I’m not just healthy, I’m still athletic. I may have more wrinkles and gray hairs than I used to, but I also have more wisdom, deeper faith, and greater empathy than I once did. My most meaningful relationships have strengthened, and I have the maturity to reason through the more difficult ones. Getting older does, in fact, have benefits.

It’s a little sad to me, however, that our culture doesn’t admire the older generation, nor celebrate the goodness that comes with aging. Many global cultures revere their elders and have tremendous respect for the value that accompanies a long life. In America, women, in particular, are taught to hide their age, rid themselves of imperfections, and somehow do whatever it takes to remain youthful forever. Not only is it impossible, it causes women to lose confidence and to shrink down in a time of life when they have so much to offer others.

It takes courage to live boldly in these times, especially as a woman of faith. Many things worth treasuring are being twisted by crafty plays on words. Values that build strong foundations are being diminished. It’s not just aging that has been attacked, it’s also marriage, family, purity, modesty, and even speaking actual truth, as opposed to a subjective truth. And sharing the Gospel or claiming victory in Christ? Well, that’s accused of either exclusivity or downright craziness!

My writing team has already written two blog posts about this word, courage, and they highlighted amazing and brave, adrenaline-filled scenes including chasing down a thief and zip-lining from treacherous heights. But courage may not always look like an action movie. In our day and age, it can be living boldly for Jesus and submitting to His calling on our lives, all the while knowing it will cost us. “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Let us not forget, though, that what we want the courage to do, others around the globe are willing to sacrifice their lives for the same freedom.

None of these scenarios surprise God. He created us each with intention, for the exact time and place where we are. We were born for such a time as this, so we should not fear our circumstances or surroundings. The phrasing, “for such a time as this” comes from the book of Esther, a woman who was likely not too advanced in her years, but nonetheless found herself in a position of incredible influence to deliver the Jewish people from destruction. Having kept her nationality a secret, but adored by the king, she bravely stepped up at just the right time to change the course of plans and save her people. God had put her there for a purpose.

In other scriptures, we find the likes of older, wiser women who prove that God sees, values, and uses women as instruments for His plans and glory. They each took simple, obedient steps in their lives, trusting the Lord while acting counter-culturally.

Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist (Luke 1)

Well past child-bearing years (and feeling shame and disgrace for her barrenness), Elizabeth became pregnant and praised God after an angel visited her husband and foretold of her pregnancy. A cousin of the Virgin Mary, who came to meet with her when they were both with child, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaimed the Lordship of Mary’s son. As a response, Mary wrote the hymn of praise called Mary’s Song or the Magnificat (Latin for “magnifies”). Elizabeth then faithfully followed the Lord’s instructions for her son, John the Baptist, who paved the way for Jesus as Messiah.

Anna, the prophetess (Luke 2:36-38)

We don’t know much about Anna, other than she was old, widowed, one of very few female prophets, and she spent her time worshiping, fasting and praying. Notably, as Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus approached her at the temple, she immediately recognized them (without ever having met them), gave praise to God, and shared the Good News of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Some even refer to her the first evangelist.

Naomi, the widow and loyal mother-in-law (Ruth 1-4)

After enduring immense grief and loss from the deaths of her sons and husband, Naomi wanted to return to her homeland, where the Lord was worshiped and His presence realized through provisions. Through a long journey of unknowns with the real possibility of being destitute, Naomi lovingly guided her daughter-in-law, Ruth, to each next wise step in their new home. She ultimately secured both of their futures and contributed to the lineage of both King David and Jesus.

Eunice and Lois, Timothy’s mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5, 2 Timothy 3:15)

We know from earlier scriptures that Timothy’s father was a pagan, but his mother, Eunice was a faithful believer. Timothy’s sincere faith is credited to his mother and grandmother’s influence. 2 Timothy 3:15 states that he knew the Holy Scriptures “from infancy,” which made him “wise for salvation through faith” in Jesus Christ. It is only through his upbringing with godly older women that Timothy was able to do the great works he accomplished as an adult with the Apostle Paul. He was instrumental in building and encouraging the early church.

Each of these women showed great courage, not following the cultural norms of their society, but instead prioritizing the calling of the Lord on their lives. Today, their legacies are preserved in the Word of God as examples of both faithful living and the impact of women…even “old” ones.

Will you pray with me to take courage today to join these women in their obedience, no matter how we may be criticized? I have full confidence that the rewards are greater than the risk!

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:7-8)

Lord, You know us, and You understand the times and places where You have each of us today. Fill us with bold courage, Lord, to live for You and Your plans. Give us the peace and reassurance that You are with us always and that You can and will provide all that we need. We have so many stories to look back upon that demonstrate Your goodness and faithfulness. Lord, we pray that we, too, can be women who leave a legacy for You. Embolden us for such a time as this! In Jesus’ name, amen.