'God's purpose for us is to show, as we get older, that he gives us his strength and, through our experiences of him, his wisdom,' says Ian Knox. 'God is not finished with us. In our later years we are not only to be blessed, but to be a blessing and bring a blessing.'   
  
As we get older, some of us grow more frenetic in our anxiety to demonstrate that the force is still with us. Others withdraw, often quite abruptly.  
   
What is God's view of ageing? The Bible has much to say, and many stories to tell, about those who did great things, those who did ordinary things well, those who prayed, those who used their gifts, those who suffered, those who went right to the end – and those who, in later years, got it absolutely wrong.  
   
How are we going to face the prospect of ageing? Will we subside, give up? Or shall we view retirement as a gift from God, an opportunity to reach out to others? Our older years are full of possibilities, not least of which is that of helping others find Christ.

Ian Knox

Cover

Title Page

Dedication Page

Acknowledgments

1 - ‘The best'

2 - ‘I'm glad I'm not young . . .'

3 - Will you still need me?

4 - ‘Darling, I am growing old'

5 - Heroes and zeros

6 - To be or . . .

7 - Not retired – refired!

8 - Can't teach an old dog?

9 - Share it!

10 - Hang on in there

11 - Feel the fog

12 - The long goodbye

13 - Who cares?

14 - Go for it!

References

Faith in later life

Copyright

‘God’s purpose for us is to show, as we get older, that he gives us his strength and, through our experiences of him, his wisdom,’ says Ian Knox. ‘God is not finished with us. In our later years we are not only to be blessed, but to be a blessing and bring a blessing.’   
  
As we get older, some of us grow more frenetic in our anxiety to demonstrate that the force is still with us. Others withdraw, often quite abruptly.  
  
What is God’s view of ageing? The Bible has much to say, and many stories to tell, about those who did great things, those who did ordinary things well, those who prayed, those who used their gifts, those who suffered, those who went right to the end – and those who, in later years, got it absolutely wrong.  
  
How are we going to face the prospect of ageing? Will we subside, give up? Or shall we view retirement as a gift from God, an opportunity to reach out to others? Our older years are full of possibilities, not least of which is that of helping others find Christ.

\["For anyone feeling anxiety about ageing","Ian Knox explores the reassuring new opportunities later years present","You'll see ways of living well and growing all the while"\]

Finishing Well is an excellent read; enjoyable, accessible and comforting, with the constant reminder of what the Bible says about older age, and the plans God has for His people. As we are reminded of how God sees later life, we have so much to gain in our own lives as well as our churches and wider communities. This book will both inform and engage, and I commend it to you. - Carl Knightly, Chief Executive, Faith in Later Life.

Ian Knox’s wealth of wisdom, experience and research are all encapsulated in this book. In reaching out to those in later life we touch God’s heart and so does this book. It deserves to be read by every Christian. - Terry Puttick, Field Director, London City Mission

For some, this book could prove to be life-changing. Ian Knox has provided us with both an encouraging and challenging manuscript for those exploring one of the big questions of life, “How do I finish well?” - Steve Clifford, former General Director, Evangelical Alliance

Christian Churches, people and charities are conspicuously active in working with older people. Accessible to leaders and doers, this book is a vital call to set this activity in the biblical context of older age so that it can be of eternal significance. - Stephen Hammersley, Chief Executive, Pilgrims’ Friend Society

Ian Knox has written a book about aging that is full of wisdom and wit, from a global perspective, and redolent with Scripture. Thankfully, most of us will grow old (the alternative, as Ian notes, is to die young) and this book helps us approach that with hope and courage and purpose. He also writes as one who is arriving there himself, and so is mercifully short on glib responses to the challenges that come with the final stages of life. - Rev’d Dr Paul Goodliff, General Secretary, Churches Together in England

Offering a God's-eye-view of how to age well, this book shows how the autumn and winter years present new opportunities for well-lived life and faith.

Ian Knox qualified as a Solicitor in 1966, aged 22, was National Evangelist with the Covenanters from 1970 to 1973, returned to the law, and finally became a senior solicitor with Coventry City Council before joining the Church Pastoral Aid Society in 1982. He became Director of the 40:3 Trust in 1986, engaging in evangelism and teaching throughout the British Isles and across Africa until his retirement in 2009. He was made a Canon of Webuye Cathedral in the Diocese of Bungoma, Western Kenya in 1999 and ordained priest there in the Anglican church in 2005. He continues an active preaching ministry across Africa and in England.

Ian has been married to Ruth for 45 years. They have four sons and ten grandchildren. They currently live in rural Northumberland.

Finishing Well

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