“Give Me the Hill Country!”
“Today I am eighty-five years old. I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me.”
— Joshua 14:10–12 (NLT)
There’s something stirring about a man in his eighties asking for the hill country — not to retire in comfort, but to conquer territory God had promised him.
Caleb’s words aren’t just ancient history. They’re a rallying cry for every believer over 60:
Don’t slow down. Don’t shrink back. Don’t settle. Ask for the hill country.
In a culture that often nudges older adults to step aside, Scripture tells a different story — one of courage, vision, and spiritual fire that doesn’t burn out with age.
1. Stay Spiritually Strong
Caleb’s secret wasn’t his diet or his exercise routine — it was his heart.
Scripture says he had a “different spirit” and “followed the Lord wholeheartedly” (Numbers 14:24).
His strength was spiritual long before it was physical.
Keep your spiritual engine running:
- Stay in the Word daily
- Worship passionately
- Keep praying big prayers
- Expect God to move in and through your life
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree… They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.”
— Psalm 92:12–14 (NIV)
2. Keep Dreaming
At 85, Caleb wasn’t reminiscing — he was anticipating. He knew there were still promises to claim, land to take, and giants to face.
Some people stop dreaming when they hit retirement age. Not Caleb. Not us.
Ask yourself:
- What has God promised you that hasn’t happened yet?
- What territory is still unclaimed in your life?
- What vision stirs your heart when you pray?
Write it down. Believe for it. Pray it forward.
3. Live with Courage
The hill country wasn’t an easy place. It was filled with fierce enemies — the descendants of Anak. But Caleb didn’t ask for the easy road. He asked for the right one.
Why? Because he trusted in the faithfulness of God.
Courage doesn’t mean we feel fearless — it means we move forward anyway.
Maybe the Lord is calling you to:
- Lead a Bible study
- Mentor young leaders
- Go on a missions trip
- Share your story
- Start something new
You’re not done yet. If you’re breathing, you’re called.
4. Leave a Legacy
Caleb’s battle wasn’t just about him — it was for the next generation. He left an inheritance that blessed his family and inspired the entire nation.
You have more to give than you realize.
Your words carry weight. Your story can spark faith. Your wisdom can shape lives.
“One generation shall commend your works to another…”
— Psalm 145:4
Find someone younger to pour into — a grandchild, a young couple, a worship team member, a new believer. Pass on your faith. They need it.
5. Reject Passivity
Aging isn’t an excuse to check out. It’s an opportunity to finish strong. God doesn’t retire His people — He refines and reassigns them.
This season of your life might just be your most fruitful yet.
Ask the Lord:
- Where do You want to use me now?
- What’s my next assignment?
- Who are You calling me to bless, teach, or encourage?
There’s more. Always more.
Final Word: Finish Strong
To all my fellow 60+ friends:
Now’s not the time to coast. It’s the time to climb.
Let Caleb’s cry be yours:
“Give me the hill country!”
Let’s take new ground, love more boldly, give more generously, mentor more intentionally, and believe more fiercely. There’s still fruit to bear, lives to impact, prayers to pray, and victories to win.
You’re not done — not even close.
🟡 Ready to Respond?
👉 What’s the “hill country” God is calling you to take in this season?
👉 Who are you mentoring or encouraging?
👉 Leave a comment below — I’d love to hear your story.
And remember… the best isn’t behind you — it’s ahead, because Jesus walks with you every step of the way.
Let’s finish well — with joy, faith, and purpose.
We’re just getting started.
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Mark Cole is a worship leader, teacher, and mentor who helps churches and leaders grow in musical excellence and spiritual vitality. Learn more or subscribe at markcole.ca.
Thank you for taking your time to write this article! I’m 68 and still want to do something for God. There’s so much to do and I hope I can do more in my last days than I’ve ever done in my life!