Reluctant Retiree

Several years ago my wife and I went on a three day trek in the Himalayan mountains. We hadn’t planned on trekking but mountain conditions forced us to walk out from the town we were visiting. The trek was difficult and dangerous. We had to cross through rivers and climb over landslides that had wiped out the trail in places. Each day, one of us was suffering some kind of ailment. Our friend was suffering from knee problems the first day. Heat exhaustion overtook me the second day, cutting short that day’s trek. On the third day, my wife slipped on one of the landslides and injured her ankle. We later found out her ankle was fractured, but on that day she walked three hours after sustaining the injury. We finally made it to a place where we could secure vehicle transportation into the city, where we caught a flight home. I actually felt sorry for the other passengers on the plane, because we did not smell very good at that point.

When we got home, we were able to get the proper medical attention and rest. Our memories of the trek are positive because we endured the struggle and pain to reach our goal and were stronger physically, mentally and spiritually because we persevered.

Psalm 30:4-5 explains, “Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name. His anger lasts for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning.” Our problems test our faith, while building godly character into our lives. If we believe in God’s faithfulness through our struggles, we will be stronger and more godly when we reach the other side. Knowing that our problems are momentary, but God’s favor lasts forever, can help us persevere.

We used to live in a third world country, Nepal. We lived in the capital city of Kathmandu. I used to walk to most places, as it was much safer than driving on the roads. But walking had its own dangers. Roads and sidewalks were very uneven and most had huge ditches and holes. So I learned to walk with my head down, looking out for the dangers.

I still walk a lot here in the states and much of the time I still keep my head down. But in the last couple years much of my walking has actually been hiking through scenic parks, riverwalks, and nature preserves. Now I am eager to see the beauty of God’s creation and be inspired, so I keep my head up more often. It would be a shame to miss the spectacular sights that are around me.

Psalm 27:13-14 says, “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Sights and sounds fill every moment of every day for most of us. These distractions can take our attention away from important things. God’s goodness surrounds us. But we often don’t behold it, because we are too busy with daily life. What a shame it is to miss such a majestic sight as the goodness of the Lord! We will see His goodness on this side of heaven, if we stop, wait, and look for it. Don’t miss it. Keep your head up! God’s goodness is here for you!

Children eagerly look forward to Christmas. If they could, they would speed time up so Christmas would come sooner. Their anticipation is fueled by the anticipation of gifts. They may even change their behavior for the better, thinking that they will receive nicer gifts.

Most of us want to change our lives for the better, as well. We want to be kinder and more loving. Some of us want to become more patient and caring toward others. We set internal standards for these changes and do things to prove we have changed. But, somehow, we always revert back to our old behaviors. Standards and efforts are not enough.

Galatians 5:5 says, “For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.” This verse explains that righteous living does not come through rules and good works. We must, instead, trust God to make these changes in us through His Spirit by faith. He alone can transform us, by the power of the Spirit working in us. Then we will have hope of living righteously, making the changes that we eagerly await.

These days we have so many ways to pay for our purchases. We can use the traditional means of paying with cash. But we can also use credit cards, debit cards and virtual wallets when we buy in person. All of those payment processes are available to us online as well, but we can also use direct debit, online banking and services such as PayPal. Then there are also loans and leases that help us purchase bigger items like cars and houses. With all of these means to purchase, it would seem that we can have whatever we want if it wasn’t for one little obstacle.

Eventually we have to support these payments with our real life funding, either earnings or gifts. This funding requires us to somehow earn the money.

Therefore, we are required to determine what we need as opposed to what we want. Providing for our family’s needs is of fundamental importance. We cannot neglect to do so. Fortunately, God has given us a promise in this regard. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

So God promises to supply our every need, but there are some important qualifications to notice here. First, He doesn’t promise to supply everything we want, just what we need. Secondly, He will never come up short, because He supplies out of His riches. Thirdly, God’s supply doesn’t eliminate our requirement to work. Jobs are part of His supply. Finally, this promise is given to those who are in Christ Jesus, who have trusted in Jesus for salvation. God’s supply comes through Jesus, so if we have no part with Him, we cannot expect to enjoy the supply through Him. Only by submitting ourselves to His Lordship can we expect to be supplied by His grace.

In high school I was a student athletic trainer. I learned basic first aid and training skills. Eventually I was able to soundly tape ankles, knees and shoulders for practices and games.

Football players wear all sorts of protective gear when they hit the field. First, they are taped up to protect previously injured areas and to guard against new injuries. Then they put pads on their shoulders, knees, hips and thighs. They may wear some type of neck brace, as well. Finally, they put on a helmet to guard against head injuries, as much as is possible.

To walk through life safely, we also need to suit up with the appropriate protection. Ephesians 6:13-17 says, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take up the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying at all times.”

To guard our way and protect us against evil, the Lord gives us His armor. First we are given the truth to gird us against the accusing lies of the evil one. Living righteously protects our hearts from the lure of impurity. The gospel of peace leads us to walk in healthy relationships. Faith guards us against harmful attacks from others. And protecting our minds keeps us from following unrighteousness. Prayer activates these pieces of armor by calling on God to make them effective.

So suit up! Put on the full armor of God! Then march on to a life of victory.