Call to Serve Regardless

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

In our previous devotional, we explored the idea that every job, whether grand or humble, can serve as a pathway to purpose when we align our hearts with God’s will. Work is not just a means to a paycheck, but a divine opportunity to partner with God in bringing His kingdom to earth. Today, let’s look into how God can use us, regardless of our age or stage in life, to fulfill a specific purpose right where we are.

“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.” Titus2:3

I heard the story of the 82-year-old woman who had been a Christian for 15 years but found herself questioning whether God had any specific calling for her. Like many of us, she wrestled with the feeling that her purpose had passed her by, and that perhaps the most significant parts of her life were behind her. But one morning, while lost in her thoughts, the Holy Spirit nudged her to look outside, where she saw a group of youths waiting for the bus. The idea struck her: what if she could build relationships with these youths and share Christ with them? Without a grand plan or agenda, she simply began greeting them each morning. Over time, these small moments grew into deeper relationships, and the children she once simply waved to eventually became some of the most well-known ministers of the gospel.

What can we learn from her story? The first lesson is that God’s calling is often not as distant or far-off as we might imagine. It is often right in front of us, in the everyday moments and the people we encounter. This woman didn’t have to change her circumstances or embark on some grand adventure to fulfill God’s purpose for her life. She simply had to be available, attentive, and obedient to the quiet promptings of the Holy Spirit.

But what about those of us who feel as though we’ve missed our moment? Ann’s story from Walton gives us hope. Ann, who began visiting a local Costa after turning 70, didn’t think of herself as a missionary or a minister. She was simply someone who enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate, spending time in a familiar spot, and chatting with people. Yet, over the course of many days, she became a wise listener and a comforting presence to a wide variety of people—lonely singles, disillusioned workers, and those seeking advice. Her workplace wasn’t a traditional ministry setting, but the relationships she cultivated in that “office” became the soil for life-changing conversations and counsel.

The key takeaway here is that calling does not need to be confined to a pulpit or a formal church setting. Sometimes, it can be as simple as sharing a cup of coffee, offering a listening ear, or showing up consistently where people need to be seen and heard. God doesn’t need to call us to a specific “ministry job” to fulfill His purposes in us. All He asks is that we be faithful and available in the ordinary places where He has placed us.

It is never too late to discover the purpose God has for us. If you old enough to remember the story of Heritage USA—long before Disney, it was a Christian-themed amusement park founded by Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker in the late 1970s. It was once one of the largest attractions in the U.S., featuring hotels, a water park, spiritual programming, and family entertainment. Unfortunately, it declined in the late 1980s due to financial scandals and other issues. However, It was a vision founded by Faye ‘s children TV program. Her workplace could not sustain or improve on her foresight and suggested she start her own

So, what does this mean for us today? Whether you are 82 or 22, whether you are in a job that feels mundane or one that feels filled with purpose, God is always at work in and through you. Your calling is not limited by your age, your job title, or your past experiences. Like the woman at the bus stop or Ann at Costa, you can find ways to serve God in the everyday interactions and spaces you inhabit. And remember, God doesn’t measure success by how many people you lead to Christ or how grand your impact seems. He simply asks that you be faithful, loving, and available.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

As we reflect on these stories, let’s ask ourselves: how can we be intentional today with the people God places in our path? What small act of service, kindness, or connection can open the door for God to use us in ways we might not expect? Whether it’s a conversation with a colleague, a friendly smile at the bus stop, or a moment of encouragement over a cup of coffee, let us remember that God’s calling is often fulfilled in the quiet, faithful moments of our daily lives.

Again, remember, it is never too late to start. God’s purpose for you is still unfolding, no matter where you are or how old you are. Step into it today with confidence, knowing that your work, however simple it may seem, is part of God’s bigger plan for His kingdom.