One of the sobering truths of the human experience is that, even the greatest leaders will age, grow weak, and decline in their powers. It is the destiny of every leader, however great. So it was with David. There was a time when as a youth he had zealously charged toward the giant Goliath with no weapon but a slingshot. But those days were long past. There was a day when David was a fearless warrior who could cut down Philistine soldiers in a swath and be the peerless leader of a band of mighty men, but now he lay in bed struggling to fend off the chills from his fragile bones.
It is easy to be nostalgic and wish that the great leaders of an earlier day could still ride into battle and defeat our enemies. We could wish that the giants of the faith still walked in our midst, trusting God for miracles on our behalf. But their day has come and gone. No leader, regardless of how great, is intended to lead forever. The following generation always has its day.
When we see great leaders of earlier days aging and struggling with infirmities, we must remember: we, too, will one day be in their place. Our strength and energy will dissipate, and our greatest opportunities to do advance God’s kingdom and to help others may be past. That day is coming soon enough for all of us. Are you prepared for it?