Flourishing in Faith: Purpose Across All Seasons
Summary
Today marks the third Sunday of Easter, a time that can feel distant as life quickly moves on with its busyness, political changes, and personal challenges. In the midst of shifting seasons—whether it’s the aftermath of an election, the approach of Mother’s Day, or simply the relentless pace of daily life—God calls each of us to remain faithful and attentive to His purposes. No matter our age or circumstances, we are not forgotten; we are planted by God for a reason, and our lives are woven into His ongoing work.
Reflecting on Psalm 92:12-15, we see that the righteous are promised to flourish like palm trees and cedars, bearing fruit even in old age. This flourishing is not limited by age or season of life. The stories of Abraham, Moses, Hannah, Caleb, and others remind us that God’s call and purpose do not expire with time. Instead, every season—retirement, career changes, health challenges, or new beginnings—offers fresh opportunities to honor God and grow spiritually.
It’s easy to become frustrated by circumstances beyond our control, whether in politics or personal annoyances. Yet, God invites us to step back and ask, “What does He want to show us in this moment?” Our calling is not to withdraw or complain, but to engage faithfully where we are planted, seeking to honor God in every interaction and responsibility. Even when our roles seem small or our influence limited, God uses our presence and faithfulness to impact those around us.
Older believers, in particular, carry the gift of testimony. Their stories of God’s faithfulness serve as powerful encouragements to younger generations, demonstrating that a life rooted in Christ is both resilient and fruitful. Simple acts of hospitality, consistent prayer, and sharing personal stories of transformation can bridge generational gaps and foster spiritual hunger in others.
As we look to the future, we are reminded that God is stirring a new spiritual hunger in the next generation. Our mission is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, to pray persistently for those we love, and to trust God’s timing and methods. Whether answers come quickly or slowly, God remains faithful, and our ongoing prayers and witness are never in vain.
Key Takeaways
- Planted for a Purpose: No matter your age or stage of life, you are intentionally placed by God in your current circumstances. Rather than waiting for a dramatic sign, recognize that your daily actions and presence are part of God’s ongoing work. Embrace your role, however ordinary it may seem, as a vital part of His plan. [08:46]
- Flourishing Has No Expiry Date: Spiritual growth and fruitfulness are not limited by age or season. Even in retirement, illness, or transition, God invites you to continue growing, serving, and bearing fruit. The promise of flourishing is for every believer, in every season, as we remain rooted in Him. [11:35]
- Responding to Frustration with Faithfulness: When faced with frustration—whether from politics, neighbors, or life’s disruptions—God calls us to respond with grace and perspective. Instead of complaining or withdrawing, we are to honor those in authority, pray for them, and trust God’s sovereignty, even when circumstances are difficult or unjust. [14:28]
- The Power of Testimony Across Generations: Your story of God’s faithfulness is a unique and irreplaceable gift. Sharing your journey, especially with younger generations, can inspire faith and spiritual hunger in others. Simple acts of hospitality and consistent living out of your faith can have a profound impact beyond what you might imagine. [17:31]
- Persistent Prayer and Trust in God’s Timing: Praying for loved ones and the next generation is a long-term commitment, not a quick fix. God often works in ways and timelines we do not expect, but our persistent prayers and faithful witness are never wasted. Trust that God is at work, even when answers seem slow in coming. [22:15]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:17] - The Third Easter Sunday
[01:08] - Processing Political Change and Frustration
[03:18] - Called to a Higher Standard
[03:36] - Reading Psalm 92:12-15
[04:45] - Life’s Busyness and Changing Seasons
[06:08] - Honoring God in Every Season
[07:02] - God’s Call Has No Age Limit
[08:46] - Planted for a Purpose
[11:35] - Flourishing in Every Season
[13:14] - Responding to Authority and Politics
[15:56] - Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness
[17:31] - The Power of Testimony
[20:34] - Spiritual Hunger in the Next Generation
[21:25] - Proclaiming the Gospel and Persistent Prayer
[22:45] - Trusting God’s Timing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Planted for a Purpose—Flourishing in Every Season
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### Bible Reading
Psalm 92:12-15 (NIV)
> The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
> they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
> planted in the house of the Lord,
> they will flourish in the courts of our God.
> They will still bear fruit in old age,
> they will stay fresh and green,
> proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;
> he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 92:12-15, what are some of the promises given to the righteous, regardless of their age or season of life?
2. The sermon mentioned several biblical characters who were called by God at an old age (Abraham, Moses, Hannah, Caleb, Zechariah, Elizabeth, Noah). What do these examples have in common? [07:45]
3. What does the sermon say about how we should respond to frustration with politics or difficult circumstances? [14:28]
4. In the sermon, what simple acts are mentioned as ways older believers can encourage the next generation? [17:31]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the psalmist uses the imagery of palm trees and cedars to describe the righteous? What does this say about the kind of life God wants for His people?
2. The sermon says, “You are planted for a purpose. You’re not forgotten. Your life is still part of God’s active work.” How does this perspective challenge the way people often view retirement, illness, or other life transitions? [08:46]
3. When the sermon talks about honoring and praying for those in authority—even when it’s hard—what does that reveal about the Christian approach to frustration and disappointment? [14:28]
4. The pastor emphasized the power of testimony, especially from older believers. Why might personal stories of faith be so impactful for younger generations? [17:31]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to see ourselves as “planted” by God in our current circumstances. Where has God planted you right now (work, family, neighborhood), and how might you approach your daily life differently if you truly believed you are there for a purpose? [10:15]
2. Think about a recent season of change in your life (retirement, job change, health issue, new family situation). How did you respond spiritually? What would it look like to “flourish” in that season, as Psalm 92 describes? [12:42]
3. When you feel frustrated by politics, neighbors, or other circumstances, what is your usual response? How could you practice responding with prayer, honor, and trust in God’s sovereignty instead? [14:28]
4. The pastor shared stories of older believers offering hospitality and sharing their faith with younger people. Is there a younger person or family you could invite into your home or life in a simple way this month? What might hold you back? [17:31]
5. What is one story of God’s faithfulness in your life that you could share with someone younger this week? How might you go about sharing it naturally? [18:08]
6. The sermon encouraged persistent prayer for loved ones, even when answers are slow. Who is one person you are praying for right now? How can you commit to praying for them consistently, trusting God’s timing? [22:15]
7. The pastor said, “Our mission is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, to pray persistently for those we love, and to trust God’s timing and methods.” What is one step you can take this week to live out this mission in your own context? [21:25]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another, especially for those in seasons of transition or frustration, and for opportunities to share their stories and faith with the next generation.
Devotional
Day 1: Flourishing in Every Season—Spiritual Growth Has No Expiry Date
No matter your age or stage of life, God calls you to flourish and grow spiritually. Life brings new seasons—retirement, health changes, moves, or shifting responsibilities—but none of these are reasons to stop seeking God or serving Him. Even when you feel tired or uncertain about your purpose, God invites you to honor Him and grow in faith right where you are. Each season is an opportunity to trust Him, worship Him, and let your life bear fruit for His glory. [12:57]
Psalm 92:12-15 (NIV)
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
planted in the house of the Lord,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green,
proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;
he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”
Reflection: What is one new way you can seek to grow in your faith or serve God in your current season of life, even if it feels unfamiliar or challenging?
Day 2: Planted for a Purpose—God Has You Where You Are for a Reason
You are not where you are by accident; God has intentionally placed you in your current job, family, neighborhood, or season of life for a purpose. Every day, in every circumstance, you have the opportunity to honor God and serve those around you. Even when your work feels mundane or your situation seems insignificant, God is at work through you. Ask Him to show you how you can make a difference right where you are, trusting that your life is part of His active plan. [10:15]
Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV)
But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
Reflection: Who is one person or group in your daily environment you can intentionally encourage or serve this week, knowing God has placed you there for a reason?
Day 3: Honoring and Praying for Authorities—Responding with Grace in Difficult Times
When faced with political frustration or disappointment, God calls His people to respond differently from the world. Instead of complaining or harboring anger, Scripture instructs us to honor and pray for those in authority—even when we disagree or when leaders are unjust. This act of obedience is a powerful testimony of trust in God’s ultimate control and grace, and it shapes our hearts to reflect Christ’s character in a divided world. [14:28]
1 Peter 2:13-17 (ESV)
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
Reflection: What is one specific way you can pray for or show respect to a leader or authority figure you struggle with today?
Day 4: Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness—Your Story Strengthens Others
Your testimony of God’s work in your life is a powerful gift, especially to the next generation. Sharing how God has changed you—through struggles, doubts, and victories—encourages others and points them to Christ. No matter your age, your story matters; it can inspire faith, hope, and longing for God in those who hear it. Be consistent in living out your faith, and look for opportunities to share your journey with someone who needs encouragement. [18:08]
Psalm 71:17-18 (ESV)
O God, from my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
So even to old age and gray hairs,
O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation,
your power to all those to come.
Reflection: Who is one younger person or peer you can share a story of God’s faithfulness with this week, and how might it encourage them?
Day 5: Persistent Prayer—Trusting God’s Timing for Loved Ones
God invites you to bring your loved ones, friends, and neighbors before Him in prayer, trusting that He is at work even when answers seem slow. While we may long for quick, “microwave” solutions, God often works in “crockpot” timing—slowly, deeply, and faithfully. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results; keep praying, surrendering your hopes and concerns to God, and trust that He will move in His perfect way and time. [22:45]
Luke 18:1 (ESV)
And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
Reflection: Who is one person you have been praying for that you are tempted to give up on? How can you renew your commitment to pray for them today, trusting God’s timing?
Quotes
Today is, if you look at the lurggical calendar, the third Easter Sunday. Everybody, anybody ever heard of that? Believe it or not, there is a Easter Sunday, a second Easter Sunday, and a third Easter Sunday. And yes, today is the third Easter Sunday. And Easter, I don't know about you, but it seems so far removed already, doesn't it? I'm the only one. Okay, you guys are still eating uh chocolate uh eggs and whatnot, but it seems so far ago. Last Sunday we've had um we were at the cusp of an election and um we saw how that turned out and now after Easter, after election, one Sunday before Mother's Day, what is going on? What are we doing? How are we dealing with all of this? So, as I was preparing the message this week, I was reminded of how we are called to be faithful and serving God always. [00:00:07]
And the funny thing is all of us experience that, right? You may not be angry or frustrated with politics, but if your neighbor decides to play uh an awful music at their at the full volume, that will get to you. If somebody if you put on the your nice clean clothes outside to dry by the sun and wind and the wind and the neighbor decides to start a nice fire with green wood. Oh, that's just lovely. So, we do get frustrated. We do get mad. We do get angry at all these events. So right now in our country we are going through something that is leading towards that. But we always must take a step back and say okay what does God want to show me in this situation? What does God expect me to do in these trying times? [00:01:56]
And I know that this past week I I avoided several conversations that were diving straight into politics because um it's so easy to say, "Well, because of this or that or and you can spend hours and hours going down that uh rabbit hole, if you will, and um just be frustrated at the very end." So the question here now uh comes and that is what are we as Christians, as believers called to do? If you're not a believer and you're listening in, you're welcome to join. But we know that we are held to a higher standard. Not just morality, not just um something that we should do because it looks nice, but we are h held to a higher standard because of what God called us to do. [00:02:49]
As you know, we are an aging congregation. Hard to believe that I've been here already 16 years. It seems like yesterday. I know. But to some of you, it's like what? Only 16? I thought it was 60. Time warps are are different for each one one of us. But we we slowly realize that time is going by, isn't it? And as we saw in the announcements earlier on, funeral announcements that we have, engagement announcements, surgery announcements. Life goes on, right? Life is not made just on Sunday morning. It is during the week, Monday through Saturday. people, family, events, work, school, hobbies, all kinds of things that engage us in our daily life. [00:04:21]
And every time I'm reminded of of how busy we are, I'm always brought back to when I was growing up. That seemed to be more time. There seemed to be like, okay, because our church had way more activities. We had Monday night prayer for women. We had Wednesday night Bible study. We had Friday night youth group. Then we had uh men's group and all kinds of events. And then we had community lunch and um uh helping the neighborhood, distributing tracks and Bibles. We like there was always something going on. But I remember it was like you went to school, you went to church and that was about it. Now you go to church and then after church you're already looking at the clock because I got to go there, I got to do this, I got I got to visit that person, I got to pick that up. and our time seems so uh compressed and many times we run run run and what happens is at the end of the week we're exhausted and we do not know why why am I so tired why am I constantly tired but I want to invite you and I this morning for us to take a step back and say you know what God no matter how busy I am no matter how old I am I want to honor you in this season of life. [00:05:08]
I want God for you to speak to me and to use me in a way that only you can. Not to be the next politician coming out of Calgary, not to be the next mayor, not to be the next evangelist in Canada or worldwide, but to use me in a way that people around me know that I serve you. And I know this because um Senior's Home is the place that I like to be the most because there there's always somebody to visit. And every time I go there, I'm reminded of all the characters in the Bible that were ancient. Abraham, what was he 75 years old when God called him to say, um, you're going to have a kid. Can you imagine being 75 and God says that to you? [00:06:23]
But here's the thing, and we will, this will be a point later on. You cannot say to God who created you, I am too old. Just imagine if you can remove that sentence from your vocabulary. I cannot do that because I am too old. Three points I want to take you uh this morning for you to take home by based on the Bible passage that we read and that is first thing. You are planted for a purpose. You're not forgotten. Your life is still part of God's active work. As a pastor growing up in church, I'm always reminded of so many times conversations we had after the service during the week going out for coffee. [00:08:11]
People would always come to me and say, "I don't know what my purpose is. I don't know why I God what God wants me to do." And in that question, what they would often do is just sit back and say, "Okay, well, when God opens up the heavens, when I hear a trumpet sound, well, could be too late. I don't know. But then I will know God is speaking to me." What we fail many times to do is like as we continue to navigate, as we continue to walk through life, everything we do, we ought to honor God. Whatever you eat, whatever you drink, do it all for God's glory, God's honor. If we're doing that and we're going to have a meal afterwards, guess what? God is going to be honored in that. [00:09:05]
But know that the purpose that you have is every day continuously serve God where he planted you. You think you're working at Samaritan's Purse by accident. God planted you there. You think you just got retired now and uh you've done your chores, your time, you're out. God has planted you there in that new season, construction, your neighborhood, your family, wherever you are, God has planted you that. And when you have that in mind, how different would you approach uh the people around you? How differently would you approach the situations that you are faced? [00:09:50]
Um, I wish I could tell you that every job that I had was pleasant. It wasn't. Every boss that I had was smart, uh, worth following orders, the smartest person in the room. Absolutely not. But as I was working in some pretty bad jobs, I'm not going to tell you all of them that I had. asked some good jobs, bad jobs, but in all of them and I remember the frustration going to work, but saying, "Okay, God, what is it that you want me to do here?" Not just punch in and punch out. What is it that you want? And surprisingly enough, God did not speak to me 5 minutes later. Sometimes it was months, sometimes it was years down the road where God would say, "This is what I want. This is why you are here. This is why I planted you in this place, in this time and in this um job. [00:10:40]
Second point, flourishing in every season. Spiritual growth doesn't have an expiry date. We in the western world have this thing called expiry date. You go to the grocery store, you look at all the milk and the one expires on the 7th, the other one on the eth, the other one on the 9th. With which one do you pick up? Okay, I'm not the only one. You pick up the one that expires further away, right? Because you may want to drink it in a later time. Talking to people in our congregation, talking to people that are seasoned Christians, many times they say, "Well, I'm look at me. Look at my age. What can I do? How can God use me?" [00:11:30]
And when every time we ask, and I hope we ask this coming from a a a desire to know, a legitimate place, when we see hear this, when we say this, we're saying, "God, I'm not even sure what's going on, but I know that I want to flourish in this season. You just got retired. You just got a medical diagnose. That doesn't sound too good. You just moved into a retirement home. You just changed jobs. You just changed careers. You just moved to a new house. This is a new season. And when we look at that this way, we can say, "God, I don't know what's going on, but in this new season, I want to grow in you. I want to honor you. And I want to worship you in everything you do." [00:12:18]
We're going collectively now through uh to or through a new season. As mentioned earlier, uh we had an election on Monday. People don't seem to be very uh happy anyways people that I'm talking to. Is complaining going to solve every anything? Anybody want to take a chance at that? It's like if I complain from morning to evening, things will get better. No. Okay, let me tell you right up front. It doesn't happen. But the Bible instructs us to do what? pray for our authorities. This was brought up on the Wednesday night Bible study and uh some wording words were exchanged and I like Bill's prayer at the end of the Bible study. [00:13:11]
He's like, "Oh, thank God that we his prayer was that we could go through this Bible study and um nobody got up from their chairs and decided to not not punch each other but just upset with one another. So, we kept things calm. But in that moment and at that in that conversation, one character that was brought up was Peter in the New Testament, the letters that he brought when he writes to the to the church and he's saying, "Listen, not only do we have to honor, we have to respect them. We have to pray for them." Second Peter says that and he's saying for us, we ought to, and these are the words, "Honor them. Honor your authority." [00:14:01]
And we think about this and we go, "Okay, well that's easy for him to say." Actually, it wasn't easy because when Peter was writing this letter, who was in power was Nero. And what was Nero doing? Killing Christians left and right, impaling them, setting them on fire, throwing them to the lions, and setting Rome on fire and blaming Christians for it. And here is Peter writing, "Oh, by the way, we got to uh honor them. What was Peter on? I guess he was inundated with grace. That's what he was. And this is the same Peter who took out the sword, right? It's like, oh, you're not going to get my master. I'm going to kill you first. He was bad aim because he was a fisherman, not a fighter. So, just decided to chop the guy's ear off. As we look at these passages, we go look at the transformation that God did in the life of this man. [00:14:37]
So we ought to be planted and flourishing in every season that God has put us in. And we collectively now are in the season where we say, you know what, maybe the election did not go my way. Maybe things are going to get worse. I don't know. But God, I want to honor you. And not only that, I want to pray for the authorities. I want to put them in your hands. I want to respect them. I want to honor them because I know that you are ultimately in control. And by doing so, a third point is proclaiming God's faithfulness. [00:15:26]
Older saints have the gift of testimony even though younger saints have them too. But your story matters and strengthens others. I remember this pastor uh David um he was a pastor in Langley small church and um it was old church, small church and um they wanted to reach out to young people so they decided to invite them to their homes, wash their clothes and give them a nice home-cooked meal. That church grew exponentially because they saw the need in the community and they said, "We're going to do something. We're going to address it." And it was funny because all these old people in church, next thing you know, there's the young people, young people, young people showing up. [00:16:14]
And all because each family couple that were empty nesters decided to take in one young person on a Friday night and serve them dinner. And while they're having dinner, they're washing their clothes. What a simple gesture to do. Not only that, but then they got to know the couple. They got to know the people. And what's beautiful about Christianity and that what I always enjoy is that your testimony is your testimony. No one can take that away from you. I always, you know, when I meet new believers, I like to talk to them and it's like, how how did you come to Christ? What how what's your testimony? And I remember so clearly some people walking by a church, driving by a church, they just decided, I'm going to go in. [00:17:09]
Other people, they were way questioning the meaning of life. They went to a bookstore, bought a Bible, started reading it, accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior right there and then. Didn't even know where to read, what to read. They had no idea. These are all the moments that it makes them their story. And you have a story to tell. You have a story to tell. not only to for your kids and grandkids, but a story to say, "This is how God changed my life." And when the younger people see that in your life and they see how God has truly changed their life, I can guarantee you they're going to say, "I want that, too. I don't know what it is. I don't know all the ins and outs, but grandpa, grandma, mom, dad, what you're doing, what you're going through, I want that, too. [00:17:55]
That means you ought to be consistent in your living. That throughout the week, every day, you're saying, "I want to honor God in whatever I do." So, your call as a Christian is pretty straightforward. To love, to know, and follow Christ. becoming more like him in character and mission. I pray that as we continue to age this congregation that we can say it's not about us but about the next generation that our mission is not only okay God is working in me yes he is but how can I expand this to those around me how can I say God you have transformed my life and I want to transform the life of those that are coming after me the next generation and the next generation and the next generation as mentioned I'm part of various uh Christian groups evangelical groups pastors groups communication groups church related and uh for the longest time for many many years it was always oh the church is in decline right every number from Catholic to Lutheran to Protestant whatever church whatever denomination was always in decline in decline co happened and it took a very sharp decline now the news that I'm getting the not Gen Z with the next one. [00:18:48]
There is a spiritual hunger and longing for God in a way that the world does not satisfy. They have all liberties in the world. They have access to all the information. Everyone has everything on their cell phone at one click away. And they're saying there's more to life than this. And they are flocking into church. They are running into small traditional churches because they want to hear God's word which is true and lifech changing every single time. That is why we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is why we proclaim the good news every day, every morning, every moment, every Sunday, every time we get together, we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. And that is the good news of what he has done. [00:20:38]
So on this third Easter Sunday, let's continue to proclaim he is risen. He is risen indeed. Let's continue to say that because we know that he is truly risen and that truth will never change. And it can impact somebody's life, someone that you may know or may not know. But as we continue to do that, fundamentally we ought to pray for one another. As a pastor, I know that many of you are praying for your children, grandchildren, loved ones. Don't be discouraged. Continue to pray. And I know that many times we want microwave answers and God says, "No, it's it's a slow cook or crockpot." [00:21:34]
If you have one of those, you know what I'm talking about. I I don't. I just hear about them. You put something in and what is it? 8 10 hours later, it's done. Is that it? Give or take. Okay. Yeah. I'm a microwave generation. 30 seconds. Come on. Let's go. Give it to God. Submit to his will. Hand it over to him and say, "God, I want to continuously pray. I want to uplift this person, this family member, this friend, this neighbor, and I want to see you do the work. And trust me, God will. May not be the one the way you think. It may not be at the time that you think, but God will do the work." [00:22:21]
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