“For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.” (Romans 11:29 NLT)
“But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 BSB)
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1-5 NKJV)
“My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” (Proverbs 3:1-2 NKJV)
“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:2-3 NKJV)
“and say to him, ‘Long life to you, and peace to you and your house and to all that belongs to you.” (1 Samuel 25:6 BSB)
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 1:2 NKJV)
As I have pondered the lives of Abraham, Moses, Caleb, Simeon, Anna, and Job (especially their later years), I have learned a few things that I believe will be hugely beneficial as I advance in years. I am going to outline them without adding any commentary. You can use them as a springboard for your own study of the Word. Here they are…
…”Refirement” Lessons:
- “Refirement” is the Lord’s design and desire (will) for me; therefore I refuse to expect anything less than a long, strong life worth living with nothing missing or broken.
- The Lord has a “late life kingdom assignment” for me; therefore I will “take my mountain” regardless of age.
- Renewed youth is the key to fulfilling the Lord’s “late life kingdom assignment”, and fully experiencing all of the benefits of “refirement;” therefore I will believe, receive, and conceive the promise of “youth” and give it a place of priority in my thoughts, words, and actions.
- The activation of what I possess in Christ is in the assignment; therefore I will walk out my assignment daily expecting to receive everything the Lord has for me.
- The Lord’s design and desire (will) is that my latter years will be greater (blessed and full of purpose) than my early years; therefore I refuse to slow down, and/or retire.
- Anything less than righteousness, health, blessing, and abundant life comes from the enemy and is not part of my Good Heavenly Father’s design and desire (will) for me; therefore I will fight the good fight of faith, refuse to grow weary in well doing, and stand against anything less than a growing experience of “days of heaven on earth.”
I challenge you to pick up where I left off and expand on this list as you build expectations to grow beyond what I have shared in…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 156: “I am replacing Retirement with Refirement!” Part 6: Lessons Learned