However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. — Acts 20:24
This is written to my generation. We are known as “retired,” a designation our Western culture invented and has become enamored with (church included). I “retired” the first time at age 62. My idea was to see if God would allow me to do something else, and He did. Twelve years later, I “retired” again as a Senior Pastor. During that time I also found out something I didn’t realize—that with God there’s no such thing as “retirement.” In fact, I searched and I couldn’t find a single retirement story, as we define the term, in the whole Book we believe in. So now what was I supposed to do? The Apostle Paul told the Ephesian elders, “finish the race and complete the task.” That’s what I’m supposed to do!
My 84-year old friend Bob Shero did just that when his health forced him to “retire.” He found himself in a wheel chair most of the time with limited mobility but rather than quit the race he became a prayer intercessor, par excellence. In fact, in preparation for this article I called Bob to see how he was doing. Before we ended our conversation he insisted that I join him in three urgent prayer requests among the three hundred for which he is currently praying. No retirement in that guy or his sweet wife, Sharon!
Unfortunately, however, some other older friends I know appear to have quit running. With all due respect, I must remind them that the race is not over until it’s over—and God has a way of letting us know when that is. He takes us home.
So my dear older friends, I want you to know that there are literally hundreds of Christian organizations today that could use your wisdom, experience, talent, and yes, your checkbook, as they bring glory and honor to God through local ministries and those that reach around the world. Your local church is a great place to start. God’s gifts don’t run out with your age and He will use what He has given you to help others.
So, if for some reason you’ve quit running—I urge you to get back in the race. It may be your last lap but all that means is that the finish line is just up ahead and you’re about to receive the promised eternal prize (Philippians 3:14; 2 Timothy 4:8). Maranatha!
To help us walk closer with God and to know Him better
