When you reach a certain point in your life and many of your goals haven’t been realized, it can be very discouraging. It feels as though God has been silent or even worse has totally forgotten about you and His purpose for your life. But you couldn’t be more wrong!! God is still speaking to you – whether you’re almost 40, turning 50 or having celebrating your 61st birthday.
As for me, God has my attention more so now than He did when I was in my 20s and 30s. I considered that “Me Time”…the years that I devoted to trying to get what I wanted and trying to bend God to my will.
Now, after entirely too much trial and error, I’ve devoted my life to God’s will…I’ve learned to bend and flow at His whim.
Although in order to have that kind of mindset shift, I had to come to the conclusion that God had not forgotten about me and was still speaking to me about my purpose on Earth. Here are a few ways He may trying to get your attention and speak to you as well.
Feeling Unsettled:
Have you ever felt that gnawing sense that you should be doing something more with your life? Midlife is considered the “Prime” of your life – the time of your greatest relevance and significance.
Unfortunately it’s not happening for many women – Christian or not. The difference for Christian women, however, is that God is using this gnawing or void to get your attention.
What you seek is not in a new job or a promotion or a new business – it’s in the Creator Himself. He put in you – on the day He thought you into existence – the desire to come back to Him.
That is what that unsettled feeling is all about – God using the Holy Spirit to call you back to Him…that is God speaking to you. As the scripture says “…the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26b
Mishaps and Misdirection:
For years I attempted to grow my counseling and training business. Some years would be great and others not so much.
I knew God had called me down that path, so I couldn’t understand why He wouldn’t let me be “successful” in it. He was misdirecting me because I now know that I had completed that assignment and it was time for the next one.
It took me a while to understand especially since I had spent so much time, energy and money attempting to grow that business.
If you find yourself constantly being thwarted in your attempts in a certain direction – this may be God changing your direction or giving a new goal to focus on.
Failure and Disappointment
God uses our experiences – especially our failures and disappointments to speak to us.
Moses is an excellent example. He attempted to valiantly vindicate his Hebrew brethren but wound up committing murder. In doing so, he had to flee a royal life to live the life of a shepherd. It was only after that was God able to raise Him up to lead the Israelites out of bondage toward the promised Land. (Read Exodus)
Whatever area of your failures, know that God is going to use every drip drop of it to bring you toward your reason for being alive.
Unrealized and Dormant Gifts & Talents
Surprisingly – many women in the middle of life have no idea what their spiritual gifting is. Or they may know their talents but are unsure what greater purpose it may serve.
God speaks when He’s given you that talent or gift – however, it is up to you to continually seek Him to find out what the gifting is for. That will require you to devote time and energy to listening to Him and finding different ways to serve others with it.
Maybe your knack for organizing your children’s closets would also serve a women’s shelter in need of help with their clothing closet. You might have been a teacher for 20 years and loved telling stories to your students…maybe God’s purpose is for you to write children’s books that will be foundational for the rest of their lives.
Whatever it is – God is speaking to you in a gift fit for the next task.
Sacrifice and Surrender
If you’ve read any of my blog posts, you know that Sacrifice and Surrender are two very important words to me. They have been tremendous in my spiritual growth and finding my own God-given purpose.
God speaks through those things that we must let go of by turning them into opportunities to trust Him.
This allows you to shift your thought process from “what I have to let go of” to “what miraculous thing God is going to do“. He uses our sacrifice and surrender – which can be fasting, removing toxic relationships, letting go of unforgiveness – to get us to become more of who He called us to be so that we can begin to walk in purpose.
A good question to ask yourself on a regular basis – what I am I holding on to so tightly that it may be keeping me from hearing God?
These all may seem negative but when you begin to see from God’s perspective you realize that these are all opportunities that He’s set up to take you to the next level in your walk of faith and in living the GreatBIG Life! God is still speaking to you…take some time to be aware of His voice!
Do you believe that God is still speaking to you about your purpose? Are there signs you may have missed hearing His instructions? Let me know in the comments…I’d love to hear your thoughts!
It is interesting now that I am almost 50 and my children are adults how big the next purpose seems to be. Great article–God so does still speak
God always has bigger and beyond us planned, Sheryl!
Hi
My name is Samantha, three years ago I got married I fast the week before still nothing I cried, my parent are not living I didn’t hear anything from God. I truly felt alone.
I’ve been wrestling so long with what I’m suppose to be doing start one rhing to stop and start another altough I see some growth but I still have so far to go and the more I try to do what right I feel like I need a spiritual connection with friends like minded people to help encourage me along the way please pray for my mind
Now that I’m 65 having learned through plenty of failures, I am not interested in doing anything that God has not given me the passion for. It’s not just about being busy for the Lord because you have been told that you should be serving. God is interested in our motives for what we are doing for Him.
Thanks for this post. I’ve heard God speak to in many ways. The last time I heard Him clearly was when he gave me a scripture in my Spirit after my quiet time. The scripture verse was John 17:19. I’ve decided to be sanctified but I no longer experience that. Presently I have asked that His will be done as He guides me daily. I still believe He is taking me where He wants me to be.
It’s really amazing article … i m a catholic
priest so happy to be … but I have been thinking for many years that God has different purpose for me to do other than parish ministry .. pray for me also
At one time I felt like God had stop speaking,and I was wondering what my purpose was, but God has revealing more and more, thank you very much for that article it was very helpful.
I’m so glad God keeps speaking to us Faye – no matter what phase of life we’re in! Thanks for sharing!
Hello fellow Christians. I am Hlamalani from Pretoria in South Africa. I agree that God still speaks even to this point in time. Thanks for reminding us to listen. Have a blessed day.
Hi Neca,I’m passing through from Ghana West Africa,
Yes! yes !!God still speaks if only we will be quiet,I’m happy and thank God for christian bloggers like you.You fill the space for us to get something worthwhile from the internet. God bless you and preserve and protect you.I’m Christy.
Yes Christy! He sure does! Thanks so much for sharing!
Well, this is true in your 70’s. I am 76 and listening for God’s direction for the next season of my life. I was caring for and allowing God to heal a broken relationship with my mother until she was taken home in September. She was 100. Given family history and 3 different life expectancy charts I can expect, God-willing to live another 25 years. That is a long time to live “retired”. God is using this time to draw me into a deeper understanding of his word and I have been seeking his purpose.
I was struck by your idea of writing children’s books. I was a teacher for decades for ages spanning from 7 to 80. All grade levels and most subjects except lab sciences and foreign languages. I will pray about this. It may be what God wants me to do.
Thank you for a very thought-provoking article.
Exactly how feel at the moment.
I know sometimes God uses our fear to use us to do His Will and I am going to pray and fast with that question. Thanks
Great article, and I know my struggle is not being confident and what I think and believe could be part of God’s purpose for my life. So when you talk about failures in life and that being a part of purpose I can truly relate to that. And it’s like those word was like adding color to the vision that I have a glimpse off that has to do with the purpose I’m here on Earth. So thank you dearly and God bless for posting this.
This is so true. If we’d just take time to sit and be still at His feet, we’d find that Jesus is still speaking; words of life and purpose. Thanks for this reminder, Neca. Blessings to you.
Amen, Boma! He sure is!
Big shift in purpose coming for me in the next couple of years as I end 24 years of homeschooling and watch my baby go off to college. I’ve been seeing this coming for a while, and have wondered, God, what’s next? It can be scary when you don’t get an answer, but what I’m learning is that HE is the answer and as long as I pursue Him and stay close then I’ll end up where He wants me to be. I don’t have to know the destination, since He does. Thanks for your encouraging post!
Yes, yes, yes Karen! Exactly… He is ALWAYS what’s next!
Hi,
Visiting from Tune in Thursdays.
Surrender & sacrifice Romans 12:1 & Purpose! All three go together!
Jennifer
They sure do Jennifer! Thanks for stopping by!
This is good news to me. I never want the passion to stop…I am sure there will be wanes and dips, but to know God’s ideas never run dry makes me smile. I want to enjoy being with him and hearing from him as long as Im alive!
Amen to that Meg! He’s continually transforming us through our entire life. Thanks for stopping by!
I know God speaks to us through our gifts and callings. He encourages me when I write. I learn so much from Him through the process. Thanks for sharing on the #LMMLinkup this past week. Your post really inspired me.
So do I Mary! I’ve come to realize that the writing is less about how I write but more about how I come to know Him through the writing. Thanks for inviting me to share at #LMMLinkup!
Hi Neca,
God has purpose for our lives until the day He brings us home to Him! But we start listening to the world and begin believing we are too old for this or that. We stop dreaming and then we lose our joy and hope. I remember when I was turning 40 thinking I was too old to do any of what I’m doing now. Now here I am and the dreams have only grown ♥ Thank you for this wonderful post and for always being such a valuable part of #MomentsofHope on Thursdays!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
You’re so right, Lori! He has a purpose for us right from the start! Thanks for allowing me to share on #MomentsofHope and living out YOUR purpose!
I have been praying and struggling ever since I left my job of 16 years. Everything and everyone was great there up until about a year before I left when it seemed that everything went sour. Where I had no problems, people became abusive verbally and began coming across conference tables screaming at me. It was very strange. I can only attribute this change to the change in me. I had returned to the Lord after many years and began to spread His Word. The owner of the company is atheist and I believe I was certainly in the middle of spiritual warfare since Satan had his hold on this environment. I now focus on Jesus and pray for spiritual growth as I wait for God to reveal His next plan for me. I do believe that God still speaks to us, we just have to seek Him with heart, mind and soul. Thank you for your words, very inspiring and uplifting.
God Bless,
Loretta
I was in a similar situation when I was reminded by The Holy Spirit that sonetimes we are the only light those people will see. Hang in there and keep fighting the good fight!!! (…and don’t forget/stop praying for them!!!)
This week I have had to schedule a lab test to see if I’m menopausal, Held a “transitioning” meeting for my teen son with special needs who will most likely be in a group home someday, and my oldest is going to graduate from high school in two months. I’ve been despairing over the future of life while here on earth, and told the Lord I don’t have dreams anymore,and wonder whether I’m supposed to hold out on joy while on earth. Thanks for sharing this lovely writing with me! I appreciate it.
Christine – God still has plans, dreams and purpose for you…in fact you’re on assignment right now. I pray that you’re able to hear God’s voice about it even in the chaos of what’s happening now. Continue to seek His Peace, His Faith and Love…He is certainly speaking to you. He will NOT let you down. All the best to you!
Out of pain, Christine, you may be of a help to others going through the same things you are dealing with.
Hi Necca, thank you for your very helpful article! I am 57 and have believed for 15 years that God wants me to start a non-profit. Over the years I have tried to start it, but it never really worked out or was the right time. Now, I am unemployed and the jobs that I did before I can’t get or I don’t want to do. I believe now is the time to go forward. I was waiting for God to tell me to “start” but I think I have to “put my foot in the Jordan” before I get the next step!!
Yes, I believe God has a purposeeven thow i feel like, I am lost some time thanks
Hi Michu! I know the feeling. Continue praying, worshiping and seeking God and as your grow in your relationship with Him, He will reveal His purposes for you. Thanks for stopping by!
I feel that I’ve accomplished what I was put here to do. As I read your post, I am more convinced than ever that it is time for me to go back home.
Hi Diane! What an honor to know that you’ve accomplished a mission…God always has the final say..who knows what may be next!
I enjoyed reading this article it gives me hope. I went through a hard time after my divorce and quit my job of 20yrs. I’m feeling lost and discouraged I need guidance I pray daily but I don’t see any of my prayers being answered any advice?
Hi Lucy…I’m sorry to hear about your hard times. I can’t speak specifically to your situation but I’ve learned that when I’m having trouble hearing from God, I’m too focused on the problem and not focused on God enough…Sometimes, God is answering our prayers in a way that we aren’t looking for Him to answer and it seems like no response. I encourage you to focus on Him – wholeheartedly and look for ways He may be speaking to you that you haven’t considered. God bless you!
Hi Neca, Peter from the UK. I have just read this, sitting on a bench in Streatham, South London. You just hit the nail on the head. Its like God is talking to me loud and clear but I have been deaf to listen..I am 59 years young and thought that I had wasted my life by wrong choices. I am married with three children and grandchdren. I am also a Deacon in my local fellowship and do bible study. However in sll this I placed all my anxiety and botheration on my career in IT, or lack thereof. I had been consistently disappointed by the lack of opportunities and this invisible barrier to an IT job which I had 30 years experience in. This article has allowed me to start thinking and praying to God from a different perspective. Thankyou for this amazing and timely piece of encouragement.
Wow, Peter – isn’t it amazing how God can get us to change our perspective?! No matter how long we’ve been attached to a mindset or a way of thinking – when we make a habit of renewing our mind – God is able to show us a different way of looking at the exact same thing. I wish you ALL the best that God has for you!
I can oh-so closely relate with every point you mentioned, but I especially love this:
“What you seek is not in a new job or a promotion or a new business – it’s in the Creator Himself. He put in you – on the day He thought you into existence – the desire to come back to Him.”
What a fantastic way to explain that feeling of deep yearning that’s constantly on the edge of our consciousness. We know we need something, but we struggle with determining what it is that we need (or Who it Is we need).
Oh, and don’t even get me started on mishaps and misdirection. It’s as if I could’ve written that part, myself, ha!
I’m so thankful to have been blessed by the encouragement in your post, thanks for sharing!
Thank YOU, Cassie for your encouragement! God is always, always, always calling to us…He put eternity in our hearts. Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for your encouragement! I had a beautiful Godly relationship with this Guy but after a year He broke up with me, he left me heart broken and on my knees asking God what happened… well I got involved in church and I’m taking evangelical classes, my Joy Came back. I’m so happy having this intimate relationship with God again that I’m trusting God in wherever He has for me in the future even though I’m in a lot o trails no Godly friends, family where I can go for support; I believe God has put me in this position to put my trust in Him alone and in this blogs to find encouragement and support… thank you May God bless you
He is speaking to me through this article! I got saved a year ago and am on FIRE for The Lord! I have a full time job that I absolutely despise and time slips away daily with minute tasks to keep my family afloat. I know if I can slow down and focus he is going to “blow up” in my life. I have such a testimony and feel like the rejected souls of this world need to be heard. I called wait to save some souls in Jesus name!! Thank you for sharing!!
I wonder what the Lord has been trying to say to by letting me get fired from my job so many times. I still don’t understand why or what he has been trying to say to me. I hate this job ivI’ landed and the only thing that makes it worth it is the insurance.. Its free after 2 months of employment and I’ve been there almost a year..
hi Neca, this blog really confirms me for the umpteenth time, that God never gives up for dreams and purposes that have been planned for our lives. and all the sharing of you 5 marks is 100% correct as I got. Thank you if today I didn’t intentionally open Pinterest and find your writing, and it turns out I didn’t face this myself, there are people like you and other friends who share how God has a plan about His purpose for your life. I am very happy and I feel God speaks once more through your writing.
Hey Linda! I’m so glad you found encouragement here! He will continue to speak to you in many more ways! Blessings, Neca
I have a dream that I know God gave me this dream. I want to be a Christian Life Recovery Coach to recovering people recovering from addictions. I want to show ( teach ) them there is hope. With God’ love and forgiveness they CAN recover. Great dream, huh? Problem is I have a deep fear of failure and rejection. Not sure how to pursue forward…
Hi Brenda, I understand your fear. When God lays something that important on your heart and mind it seems inadequate for you to do…because it is. All feelings of fear will dissipate when you remind yourself that this is God’s purpose to see those in addiction free from it. You my friend, are only the instrument that God intends to use. There is no fear in love…so if you are feeling fearful remind yourself of His love for you…and the feelings of rejection will dissipate. Just start on the smallest thing you can do and let God lead you from there. I know many lives will be turned toward God because of your obedience! Blessings, Neca
I just turned 61, retired 1.5 years ago, and recently my closest friend of 29 years cut off our friendship. It has been painful, but I’ve accepted it as God’s opportunity. I’m not sure what He wants of me yet, but I’m open to His will. Your message is very timely for me. Thank you.
Hi Jeanne! He makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him…It takes a strong but wise person to turn pain into opportunity. There IS more in store for you! Thanks for stopping by, Jeanne!
I’m 69 yrs old & still wondering what my purpose is! I have been very active in church in the past but have had done health & personal issues & now I am sitting home every day all day trying to figure out the next step. I’m depressed & discouraged.
Hi Nancy! I know it can be discouraging when you don’t what you’re here for… Trust me I’ve been there too. These are the times to focus intently on God… Not just church but on the person of Christ. His Love, His Sacrifice, His Magnificence, His Grace and Mercy. Let that be what your focus whole you’re at home and watch your life change. I’m praying for you Nancy… God bless you!
Amen! At 47, I’m still figuring out what I want to be when I grow up! And more importantly, what God wants me to be and the purpose I will serve in building His kingdom. This is an exciting and scary time because I don’t know where this road is leading, but I do know that He is in control and that’s enough. Thanks fo sharing!
Amen Nicole – That IS enough! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Thanks and God bless you for this post! I have the gift of songwriting and have had several revelations and confirmations from other believers that God is calling me into a praise ministry, but I never seem to get it right with ‘Time signature’ – singing to time/beat despite the efforts I put into Rehearsals. It’s really discouraging, I have hundreds of songs lying idle all over. I teach the choir I belong sometimes, but almost giving up again because each time I submit a song for choir purpose, I have to keep begging other members to take the song , sometimes they do,other times none is willing to take the lead of the song. I wish there was a way out to give these songs to praise the Giver and bless the body of Christ.I feel a void like I am failing God not able to fulfil this purpose. Even in the choir, I have been relegated to a permanent ‘back up vocalist while everyone keeps saying I could do more. Really encouraged not to give up..Thanks
Thank you for this! I needed this reminder, because all too often we (I) find myself looking like what have I gotten accomplished, or there is so much more to me than this and not having an inkling of how God will do it, but i have tried more than enough and nothing has worked.Now waiting to see how he is going to do this – because i tried it my way.
I’ve been there too Erica! As you long as you do it His way, it will all turn out fine! Thanks so much for stopping by!
I feel stuck. Do I have a purpose? Why
am I not hearing from God? What’s next in
my life? Perspective of other is I have it “easy peasy”. However I struggle as I do
my best at home, at church, etc. Speak Lord, your servant is listening
I enjoyed your article. After my husband died (2009), and I had to retire early from my job (2013) I lost all sense of purpose. I’ve been raising my granddaughter for the last 5 yrs and battling rheumatoid arthritis and constant fatigue. It feels as if life is just very out of kilter. I’ll be 63 this year and I feel lost and disconnected and that time is running out. I’m struggling to find the place I need to be and who I am. Your article gave me some food for thought and shined a bit of light in my darkness.
Recently separated from bf, our relationship became more and more toxic as I walked closer with god. It’s been hard & I keep asking god what is his purpose for me. The day I signed up to get baptized was day him and I separated 3.17.19 almost two weeks. The only thing positive I had have is feeling loved, feeling whole since I started seeking god but there has been a lot of weapons form. I’m still thankful and grateful!!
That so good to hear! It can be difficult to move forward but God is always here for us!
Thanks for the confirmation that God is using my struggles in lead me into new things. After trying to hold back tears through joyous Easter hymns at Church, I could hear that quiet voice telling me His purpose for me being where I am is not what it seems. The real mission isn’t in the the job description.
Amen to that! God always has confirmation for use Kathleen!
I recently had my 1st book published…its the true story of my journey to freedom from opioid addiction (Dragonflies…From Broken to Beautiful). As this is my 27th year teaching, I truly feel he’s calling me to spread the message in my book. He alone freed me and I feel called to let everyone know how to find this freedom. I am constantly trying to better understand Him so I can do exactly as He says. Your article provided real encouragement; many thanks!
Neca – This is a great article. I’m a doer, and am not good at being patient or listening to that still, small voice. I’m in a holding pattern now and things are looking desperate, but I’m frequently asking Him to help me know His purpose and rest in His provision. Thank you!
Hi Neca,
I’m a spiritual person used to be a regular church goer until ten years ago. I teach Hatha yoga and was asked to run a session at church by one of the parishners. I asked the church if it was ok. They said NO. They didn’t want any thing to do with the occult!. This stunned me because yoga is nothing to do with the occult. It’s about spiritual growth, relaxation, and working with the body. I never went back to church because the priest wouldn’t speak to me after that. things did change though in a positive way. i listen more to mother earth. That’s where I find god. Or great spirit. I learnt that talking to god where ever he is he still hears you and guides you. I find this very comforting.😊 Wishing you well Debbie 😊 XX