Reluctant Retiree

It is surprising to me how many things in life are revocable. Don’t pay your mortgage and the bank will foreclose and take back the property. Practice infidelity and the marriage promises made at the altar are often made null and void. Commit a serious crime and many of the rights and privileges of citizenship are taken away by the government.

Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” God will never take away what He has already given you, including salvation, redemption, peace, love, hope, and talents. His gifts are not dependent on your performance, but rather come from His love, mercy and grace. He never changes, so He will not revoke His gifts.

We are often called upon to show inner strength when faced with difficulties. In fact, it has become popular to add the word “Strong” to those faced with tragedy. After the Boston Marathon bombings t-shirts, banners, etc. displayed “Boston Strong” to indicate that those affected would have the inner strength to carry on and thrive. Every significant event since has used the same type of slogan to declare that people would thrive, despite the circumstances. But where do we get this strength? Do we all possess it all the time as these slogans tend to indicate?

Psalm 18:31-32 says, “For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless.” There is only one God and He alone gives us strength to walk blamelessly. He gives us the inner strength to carry on despite the troubles and temptations we face. We don’t possess this strength naturally and can’t display this inner quality at all times, despite the slogans. We must trust in God, our rock, to give us the strength we need when we need it.

Every family has its share of problems, although, admittedly, some families more than others. Competing needs and desires cause separation if not handled properly. While the disagreements will come, if we consistently bring troubles to our families, God promises to give us a strong rebuke.

Proverbs 11:29 says, “Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.” Do your best to bless your family and not cause trouble. Then you will find blessings from God and favor among all people. As much as is possible, be a peacemaker and not a troublemaker.

We are familiar with the concept that if we work at a task or to achieve something, we will be rewarded. The star athlete works long and hard to develop skills and receive medals, professional status, and the accompanying fame and financial benefits. The artist practices their craft to develop and present a wonderful artistic endeavor. At our jobs, we work hard to receive the promised wages and promotions.

Proverbs 11:18 says, “The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.” Doing some evil or wrong thing may seem to offer something beneficial, but it is a lie and of no value. Evil promises what it cannot deliver. Only doing righteous things produces real and lasting benefits and rewards. Doing righteousness is not a matter of hard work. Rather it is achieved through following the Savior through the strength that He provides.

We have all felt small and insignificant at times. Perhaps it was after we tried to do something and failed. Maybe this feeling came after a public humiliation. Or perhaps, we were humbled by the criticism of others. Regardless, we have succumbed to the notion that other people think we are useless, powerless, and ineffective.

Luke 1:46-48 says, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” When you think that you are small or insignificant, remember that God’s is looking upon you and doing great things for you, so that you are called blessed. You are worthy of God’s attention and His powerful works on your behalf. He loves you and wants to be in your presence. Allow Him to come in today!