Retirement: The 3 Decisions Most People Miss for Lasting SuccessSýnishorn

Stepping Confidently Into God’s Plan for Your Retirement

Retirement is more than just a season of rest; it’s the final, precious chapter before we stand before our Creator. Through these reflections, you’ve been invited to consider three critical decisions—decisions that most people overlook but that will profoundly shape your retirement journey.

First, choosing God’s will over your own sets the foundation.

Rather than chasing fleeting pleasures or selfish ambitions, God calls you to use the newfound time in your retirement years to help build His kingdom and glorify Him. He has specifically prepared you for this, through a lifetime of challenges and blessings, to make a lasting impact in this season. He already knows the plans He has for you:

“For 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 NIV

Second, learning to let go is essential.

Letting go of youthful dreams or physical abilities that no longer serve you isn’t easy, but resisting reality only leads to frustration. Instead, accept this season with open hands and a trusting heart, knowing God’s purpose remains good and active in your life. He still has a plan for you to flourish and bear fruit:

“They will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green..." – Psalm 92:13-14 NIV

Third, embracing joy shapes how you live each day.

When you fix your eyes on what’s lost or compare your present to the past, bitterness can take root. But when you focus on eternity and God’s promises, your faith strengthens, and your joy becomes a powerful witness to those around you. Prayer and thankfulness are the starting blocks to a joyful life, even as difficulties arise:

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Now, it’s your turn to decide.

What will you do with these three decision points? Ignoring them is not an option, so take a moment to prayerfully consider these questions:

• Am I seeking God’s will for my retirement, or merely following my own desires?
• What do I need to let go of today in order to embrace this season fully?
• How can I cultivate joy and be a blessing to others in these years?

God is calling you to live this season with purpose, not passivity. Your life and testimony still matter deeply. The words "Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21, NIV) await those who live joyfully in faithful obedience to the end.

Don’t wait for tomorrow. Today, choose to honor God with your retirement by living fully, serving generously, and shining joyfully as a testament to His grace.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of this new season in life. Help me to seek Your will above my own, to let go of what no longer serves me, and to embrace each day with joy and purpose. Fill me with Your strength and wisdom to live fully for Your glory. May my life in retirement be a light that points others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Practical Steps:

1. Write down one area where you sense God’s calling for your retirement purpose.

2. Identify one thing you need to release or accept about this stage of life.

3. List three ways you can intentionally bring joy and encouragement to others this week.

==========

This is Part 6 of 7. Next in this series is "Retirement’s Final Challenge: Finish Well by Drawing Closer to God Even in Sickness." This plan is scheduled for release on or about the end of August. To be notified of its release, please follow our page by clicking here.

Or, if you’re wondering what’s next and how God will lead you, then click here for a list of resources to help with that. For more readings on a wide range of other topics, search "Roland Heersink" in the YouVersion app. Blessings to you!