Retirement – Why Are You Still Working? Is That Really God’s Plan?Sample

FEAR: Is That Why You’re Still Working?

You probably wouldn’t call it fear. You might say you’re just being responsible. Or cautious. Or “not ready yet.”

But let’s be honest – something is holding you back.

Maybe it’s fear of not having enough money. Or fear of the unknown. Fear of losing purpose. Or even fear of being home all day with your spouse – with no meetings, no purpose, and nothing to do all day.

These fears don’t always shout. They often come dressed as common sense. But make no mistake: fear doesn’t just keep you safe – it can also keep you stuck.

Fear convinces you that continuing to work is the wise move. That stepping away is too risky. But step back and you can see that the real risk is what you’re missing.

Because retirement isn’t just the end of your career – it’s the continuation of God’s plan for your life. A plan that may be bigger, more freeing, and more fruitful than anything you imagined. And fear can keep you from seeing it. Look what the Bible says:

“So do not fear, for I am with you... I will strengthen you and help you.” – Isaiah 41:10

This next phase of life isn’t a blank slate for you to fill however you want. Instead, it’s part of God’s design for you. His plan for your life doesn’t expire at age 65. Your life continues with a purpose, a goal. And God is waiting for you to step into what He’s already prepared.

“We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10

So let’s be clear: this isn’t about your time to kick back and relax. Rather, it’s the next step in the plan He’s had for you all along. A step you might be avoiding because of fear. Again, look at what the Bible says about this next phase of life:

“They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green.” – Psalm 92:14

If you stay in the workforce just to avoid discomfort, unpredictability, or awkward conversations at home, you’re not being faithful – you’re hiding.

So if fear is holding you back, then stop letting it define your timeline. Stop pretending that holding your current position is the same as fulfilling God’s will.

Unless you can clearly articulate how your job is helping you bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth, then know that God has a plan to use you in a much stronger way beyond that job. And He’s just waiting for you to join Him.

Don’t retire into a cultural script written by the world. Don’t waste your final decades doing what’s easy, expected, or safe.

Instead – step forward. Trust the God who brought you this far and follow the purpose He has waiting for you.