Retire? Never!

Hi,
 
With the "Baby Boomers" reaching the age of retirement, reports are showing that one-fourth do not have enough funds to be able to call it quits with work, and many more cannot enjoy to retire in comfort during their golden years.  This can be so disappointing to one who worked a lifetime in a job they received little pleasure from, only to see their retirement dissipate through a bad economy or great medical expenses.  The one who sees his life's calling first in God, then his energy spent in trying to display the power and glory of God, has his hope and trust in Jesus.  He then sees no place for retirement, but does see beyond this present life with all of it's difficulties.   
 
"Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to the Jordan." But he said, "As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!" So the two of them went on. And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood facing them at a distance, while the two of them stood by the Jordan. Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water; and it was divided this way and that, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground. "

Serving the Lord is not just for the young. John Wesley preached until he died at age 90. Gladys Stall of Lake Magdalene, Florida, has taught Sunday school for 82 years. She began at the age of 14 and is still teaching six-and seven-year-olds at the age of 96.
 
As we study Elijah in the last few days of his ministry, we find a man still actively proclaiming the reality and glory of God. Proceeding toward his appointment with destiny and the fiery chariot of God, he demonstrated the power of God by parting the water of the Jordan. Even in his closing moments, Elijah dramatically revealed that the God of Israel is an awesome God.  Though he may have been growing weak physically, God was not changing.  He will be the same for us to the very end.
 
Christians never reach the age where they can completely "retire" from the Lord's service. Even when we may physically no longer be able to do the things we once did, God can still use us to reveal His power and glory. It may be in a ministry of prayer or encouragement, and that may prove to be the best ministry we've ever had.  However, those people usually do not develop those ministries at the end of life, but have been to some extent, prayer warriors and encouragers through their Christian walk with the Lord.  Perhaps God will demonstrate His awesome power through the life experiences of His more senior saints. However He chooses, our latter years should be as much at His disposal as our former ones.

God bless you and yours today, and what ever you may face today, know that you are loved!!!

Henry