This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 ESV)

By: Scott Schuler

I turn 62 today.

I hear many of my friends and associates, also in their sixties, talking about slowing down, retiring, traveling and I’m happy for them. But I have no desire to do this. I believe one of the best seasons of my life is just beginning.

In a football game, there are four quarters. The best, most dedicated teams play hardest in the fourth quarter. They don’t just slow down and cruise across the goal line.

They persevere with all their training and wisdom to finish the game in excellence. I’m in the fourth quarter. This is my goal: finish strong. Leave a legacy.

So, I’ve made a decision.

I’ll never retire from serving the Lord, or you—my brothers and sisters in Christ. I’ll keep running toward the goal line as long as Jesus allows, just like my mom and dad have done. And they’re still going strong at ages 82 and 88.

As an author and teacher, I’ll keep writing and sharing to inspire this generation to know God.

That’s the vision God gave me years ago and my life’s work. Why? Because too many people don’t know God. This doesn’t discourage me. Instead, God uses this to put the fire in my bones to press on and finish the race. The Apostle Paul said this, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7 ESV).

There is nothing more I’d rather be doing on this birthday and the rest to come than to teach biblical truth to reveal Satan’s lies, inspire godly purpose and renew hope in and through the church. That’s my mission to git ‘er done.

My prayer is for God to give me opportunities to link arms with church leaders in their work toward fulfilling the Great Commission, “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12 ESV). Will you pray this with me? That would be the best birthday gift ever!

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