Hebrews 12:1-3 / New International Version: "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus...so that you will not grow weary and lose heart"
There is no such thing as "retirement" for those who serve God. There won't be a spiritual pension waiting for us so that we can finally relax and let others finish God's good work. We might have travel ideas, plans to focus on a hobby, or dreams of unwinding and living easy while everyone else labors away, but God doesn't stop using us!
Our prayers, testimonies, encouragement, wisdom and faith must never retire from use. Bringing glory to the kingdom of God is a full-time effort requiring long-time endurance. While we wait to enjoy that glory, God has plans that aren't put off by our aging bodies. We are encouraged to continue on without interruption. We are promised those beautiful words of approval, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" upon the completion of our earthly journey.
In case you have doubts, know this: it will be worth it! Will you falter? Slow down to refuel? Take rest during seasons of fatigue? Perhaps. But keep your eyes fixed on his. You might run. You might crawl. You might move mere inches per day. But if you remove the tangles of sin and keep your eyes fixed on him, you won't grow weary and lose heart. This is his promise.
You can't retire yet. He will remain at your side every step of the way until you bask in the full glory of the only paradise worth persevering for! How does this help you endure through the struggles of life?
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