Meeting Jesus Through SOAP

I love sharing my faith with you each Sunday, but today I wanted to offer a fresh perspective. I’ve asked my sister to share her heart, and I hope her story blesses you as much as it has blessed me.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to have a wonderful group of Christian friends. Together, we’ve shared countless Bible studies and life moments. Recently, though, life has taken us to different parts of the world—one friend even moved to Thailand! Although we can’t meet in person anymore, we’ve found a beautiful way to stay connected and grow in our faith. It’s called SOAPing.

Here’s how it works: we choose a book of the Bible and go through it chapter by chapter. In our private group chat, we share Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. This month, we’ve been studying Isaiah, and Chapter 46 has deeply resonated with me. Let me share my SOAP for this chapter with you.

S: Scripture
Isaiah 46:3-4 (NLT)
“Listen to me, descendants of Jacob,
all you who remain in Israel.
I have cared for you since you were born.
Yes, I carried you before you were born.
I will be your God throughout your lifetime—
until your hair is white with age.
I made you, and I will care for you.
I will carry you along and save you.”

O: Observation
In a culture that often glorifies youth and beauty, I find comfort in knowing that God cherishes us through every stage of life. He doesn’t abandon us when we lose our sharp vision, our hearing, or even our youthful figure. Instead, He continues to care for us and use us for His purposes. Think of Anna at 84, Moses in his 80s, or Abraham in his 70s—God’s work in their lives was far from over.

A: Application
As we age, it’s easy to feel like our best days are behind us, but that’s simply not true. Some of the most impactful people in my life have been seniors.

When I was in my 30s, I worked at a retirement community where I met Mr. Watson, a man in his 80s who led a Bible study for the residents. One day, he came into my office and asked about my faith. Although I had attended church my whole life, I saw God as a judge, just sitting in Heaven, thinking of all the reasons to keep me out. It seemed like He was waiting for me to fail, and I had plenty of failures to show for it.

When I confessed to Mr. Watson that I felt I could never be “good enough,” he replied, “If you can work your way to heaven, then Jesus died for nothing.” That simple truth hit me like a ton of bricks. For the first time, I understood that salvation wasn’t about my efforts—it was about Jesus’ finished work on the cross.

Instead of trying to clean myself up for God, I said “yes” to Jesus, and He began showing me how to walk in His ways. Mr. Watson wasn’t a pastor or a young evangelist. He was simply someone who loved Jesus and shared the Gospel with me. His faithfulness changed my life.

“I will be your God throughout your lifetime—
until your hair is white with age.
I made you, and I will care for you.
I will carry you along and save you.”
—Isaiah 46:4

This verse reminds me that God is with me now and forever. How does that change the way I approach my future, my retirement, or the later years of my life? How can I lean into this season and focus on living a life with Kingdom purpose?

P: Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your promise to walk with me every step of the way. I’m grateful that You can use me at every age. Please position my heart to be open to Your plans. I want the days I have left to be fruitful and impactful for Your Kingdom. I’m excited to continue this journey with You!

If you’re feeling like your age has limited you, take heart. The Lord is with you. He made you, He cares for you, and He will carry and save you. Your best days might just be ahead. ❤️

To GOD Goes The Glory!

Have A Blessed Day