It's Not Too Late

Ever feel like you have failed... like you've not attained or accomplished what you had hoped for? I know I have! This often leaves us filled with regrets. I know people who feel like their life has been a mistake. The accountant regrets his choice and wishes he'd become an artist. The pharmacists wishes he'd become a doctor. Maybe your desire was to leave a mark or a legacy, yet to date, all you have is a trail of unfilled aspirations and dreams. Maybe your dreams are spiritual. I spoke with someone online early this morning who was telling me that they had always wanted to do great things for the Lord, but that they had wasted years of their life going in and out of church, and never growing up spiritually.

Can I tell you today... It is not too late! You can begin again! It does not matter your age or your situation, if you want to, you can have a fresh start! But you have to be willing to draw a line in the sand, cross over and be determined not to go back. You have to be willing to pay the price as you chase down your dream. 1 Corinthians 9:25 in the Living Bible reads, "To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things that would keep you from doing your best." One thing is that you must determine to stop listening to the critics and complainers of life. (Which includes yourself.) You know... those folks who have settled for less, and they want to keep you down on their level. We all know that misery loves company... so they want to keep you in their company of whiners. If you succeed then they must admit their own failures. Break free from that crowd and leave them in the dust.

Your personal goal should not just be to get by and live a long life. Rather, our goal should be to make a difference in this life and to glorify God in all we do. You must know that to be a difference maker, it is going to cost you something. To reach your goals, you must be willing to pay the price. Charles Lindbergh once said, "I feel I lived on a higher plain than the skeptics on the ground. Who valued life more highly; the aviators who spent (their life) on the art they loved, or these misers who doled it out like pennies through their ant like days?  If I could fly for ten years before I was killed in a crash, it would be a worthwhile trade (rather than live) an ordinary life. 

"But I'm too old. It's too late."  Really? Take a look at the life of Moses who began again at 80 years of age. Remember the Apostle Paul? He had already lived a "successful life" by man's standard, when God called him to a new life with a new direction and purpose. How about the great leader Winston Churchill. He had already attained fame and greatness when he retired after World War II, but rather than retire and fade into obscurity he changed directions and went on to win a Nobel Prize in literature. Ever hear of Anna Robertson?  She started painting at the age of 70 and did not sell her first painting until she was 81... and yet she became world famous for her art work. Perhaps you know her better as "Grandma Moses."  I could go on with example after example of people who changed paths or directions in their 40's, 50's or even much later. The point is simple: It is NOT too late!  Here is a scripture for you to hold on to: "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion... therefore I hope in Him!" (Lamentations 3:22-24) 

You have not failed... until you quit! Get up and try again. It is not too late!