Retired Not Expired – Here I am LORD, Use Me

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

So, retirement and now what?

According to Ecclesiastes there is a season, time and purpose for all things under heaven, while here on earth.  But sometimes, do you think, now what? I’ve accomplished many things; I’m getting on in years. What can possibly be next except old age followed by the inevitable? Plus, as an added bonus– creaky knees, an aching back and a medley of ills. Or perhaps needing a nap during the day. Have you heard this line from a doctor– “Well— it’s only natural at your age for, A B C D E F G …so on and so forth…”  Yikes!

STOP! The worst thing you can do is sit and ponder, “what next?”  Because we know as Christians, that as long as we have breath, and as long as we are here on earth, God still has plans for us.

Yes, even at “old age.” Heck, look at Abraham!  He was 100 years old when Isaac was born to him!

Genesis 12 begins the story of Abraham (then called Abram) and his barren wife Sarah (then called Sarai). Abraham was 75 years old when the LORD first gave Him the promise that he would father a son. Sarah was 65.  They had to wait 25 years for the fulfillment of God’s promise! But it did happen!  God’s promise fulfilled, as promised.

Genesis 15:4–5  describes God’s promise to Abraham that his offspring would be as “the sands of the sea.” Even though Abraham was old and had no sons, he never doubted that God would do as He promised. He did not understand how such a thing could be possible, but he humbly accepted God’s word as truth.  Abraham showed Obedience and Trust unconditionally.

Jesus’ mother Mary, sort of had a similar response when the Angel Gabriel visited and told her she’d be the mother of the Messiah  (Luke 1:26–38).

She couldn’t comprehend how such a thing would be possible, since she was a virgin. But she readily accepted, and never doubted God would do as He had said. This is the kind of response and the kind of deep unwavering faith that pleases our LORD. (Hebrews 11:6).  Mary acquiesced and Surrendered to His will and plans.

My point? No matter how “young,” (David was a young boy when he killed Goliath with a smooth stone 1 Samuel 17) or “old” we are, God has plans for us.  David exuded confidence because God was with Him. His age was of no significance.

The important thing is to “listen, observe, trust and do according to His will. Answer the “call” when you hear Him.

We’re all here for a purpose. We may go through periods of extreme draught, where we are looking for the well.  But spiritually, we already have the very living water that shall never let us thirst again. (John 4:14)

God sometimes just wants us to cool our jets and just “wait.” (Psalm 46:10) But He is always working behind the scenes. He is always at the drafting table with blueprints for our lives. And no matter how long we live, there is always a way, time and place, that God will utilize us to the fullest. All we have to do is agree, listen and watch and get moving on it.  But most important let Him know, you’re ready and willing. Have you answered His requests for your life recently? 

 “Here I am LORD, use me…”

“LORD, I am Yours today and always, may I be a discerning fountain of spirituality, concerning my direction and my love, which only You can guide and fulfill me, all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”