“Your growth in grace inspires and leads others to grow old in grace with Christ.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 29, 2026
When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you’ll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don’t want to go. John 21:18, MSG
I am reflecting on my time in Texas this past weekend with Pat, my 88-year-old stepmom. As we talked, she lamented that many of her friends have either died or moved away. Her community is crumbling before her eyes, and it’s distressing. We continued our two-year conversation about moving her into assisted living closer to us, just 8 minutes from our home. She agreed to come visit and check it out in a couple of weeks, which was a relief to me. But during our discussion, she kept wondering why the Lord had allowed her to live this long. I reminded her how pleasant and friendly she is. She makes a wonderful friend and has the unique vantage point of praying for others. She lit up after our conversation and gave me a hug and a kiss. It reminds me of Jesus’ words to Peter: “When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old…someone else dresses you and takes you where you don’t want to go.” Humbling but true. The reality of giving up control, even to a loved one, can be very stressful.
Jesus uses Peter’s lifespan to illustrate this progression from youth to old age. Peter would grow from being impetuous to prayerful, from rash to deliberate, from self-willed to God’s will, from self-reliant to Spirit-reliant, and from denial to boldness. Peter learned to die to himself before he had the privilege of dying for Christ. “Die before you die. There is no chance after.” C.S. Lewis, Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold. He took up his cross before he was martyred on a cross. Peter gave his life for God. He channeled his youthful energy into eternal outcomes. Dying to myself helps me to age with grace.
Isaiah reminds us of the source for growing old with grace: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you” (Isaiah 46:4).
The hope of heaven and the promise of peace on earth are ingredients of aging well. I love this reminder: “Aging is not a reason for despair but a basis for hope, not a slow decaying but a gradual maturing, not a fate to be undergone but a chance to be embraced” (Henri J.M. Nouwen & Walter J. Gaffney, Aging: The Fulfillment of Life).
Growing older does not guarantee growth in grace any more than being younger does. The condition of your heart is the only limitation on experiencing growth in grace. It may come in big bursts of momentary inspiration and transformation, as the sweet, loving Holy Spirit wants to move you forward in His power to be a believer full of grace and truth, not lacking anything. For a humble heart, the only limitation is the Lord’s will, which may constrain you, as He knows infinitely what’s best for you. When you first experienced the grace of God at salvation, your flame of faith burned brightly, but now, as you are growing in grace, the Holy Spirit is stoking the hot coals of your faith, burning orange and white to drape a blanket of warm love over all you draw close to your life in Christ. Your growth in grace inspires and leads others to grow old in grace with Christ.
“Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, teach me to release my grip as Peter learned. When strength fades, may my surrender deepen. Carry me into Your purposes, even where I’d not choose to go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Today, practice surrender: relinquish one small control to God’s hands. Honor an elderly believer by listening to their stories and inviting their prayers. Channel energy toward what carries eternal weight.
Related Reading
Psalm 71:9, 92:14; Luke 9:23; Galatians 2:20
Worship Resource
CityAlight: Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me
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