Thank God For His Grace! - Retirement

At the beginning of this 5-day study plan, you found your number – the years left to use your time for application of the treasure and talents given to you by God.

Maybe your outlook is like mine – 25-30 years to go. Or maybe it’s just 5-10 years. Whatever it is, it’s not too late to shift gears, change course, or set your direction to hear these words from God at the end of your time: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

After all, when it’s just God and you at the end of the days, all that other stuff – all those other activities, pursuits and pleasures are shown for what they really are – meaningless distractions.

So, back to the question of Day 2– “What do you have in your hand?” Moses, David and the little boy had a shepherd’s staff, a slingshot and some loaves & fishes. Not much, yet all very useful to God.

No matter what your retirement finances look like, no matter what your situation in life, God can use it and He can use you – for more than you might even imagine.

And what about the “good works” of Day 3? Since these are already lined up by God, you can be sure that He’s also given you the resources and ability to do them, right? As a retiree, the excuse that you have no time or are too busy has evaporated like a puddle of water in the noonday sun.

Let’s be clear – we get to heaven by faith in Jesus not by works. Even so, there is an expectation that our works – what we do, how we spend our time – should reflect our faith. Living a life of bingo, bunco, golf, TV-watching or socializing without good works might seem less bad than checking off destinations on an exotic travel list, but neither one matches the expectation given in the Bible.

Check what Jesus’ own brother has to say: “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:14, 17, NIV).

Putting this more plainly, James is saying that if we aren’t bearing any fruit, then our faith is dead, or at best, on life support. Remember Psalm 92?

“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green” (Psalm 92:14, NIV).

Now, how will the words “Well done, good and faithful servant” be spoken to you at the end of your days if the stream of good works planned for us has dried up?

Praise God for his goodness, though – Jesus came and died for us that we might have life and live it to the full, no matter what our situation: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10, NIV).

So, whether you are rich or poor, skilled or unskilled, the good works prepared for you to do are possible – just as Jesus said about the challenge of the rich to enter heaven: “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26, NIV).

Praise the Lord! As retirees, we are set free from our alarm clock, the daily commute, the demanding boss, so that we can both enjoy our lives and serve Him. In closing, remember this verse: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31, NIV).

Hallelujah!

PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done – on earth as in heaven, starting with me. Thank you and praise be to your holy name! Amen.

BIBLE READING

• James 2:14-17
• Matthew 19:23-26
• Isaiah 40:31