Biblical Answer

Understanding God's Sovereignty

The Bible teaches that God is sovereign over all creation, including our lives. This means that God is in control of everything, including our circumstances, and that He works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). When we face difficult situations, such as the loss of a loved one or a serious illness, it can be tempting to ask, "Why did God take my loved one?" or "Why did God allow me to get sick?" However, we must understand that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). We may not always understand why God allows certain things to happen, but we can trust that He is working all things together for our good.

The Example of Job

The book of Job is a great example of how God can use difficult circumstances to bring about spiritual growth and maturity. Job was a righteous man who lost everything, including his health, his family, and his possessions. Satan assumed that Job would turn his back on God once his blessings were gone, but Job trusted in God throughout the trial. In fact, Job's faith was so strong that he even prayed for his enemies, asking God to forgive them and bless them (Job 31:30). Job's story teaches us that God is not interested in our comfort or happiness, but in our character and faith. He wants us to trust Him, even when things seem darkest.

A Life of Naked Faith

So, why did God take your retirement? Perhaps it's not about what God has taken, but about what He wants to give you. A life of naked faith is not about being comfortable or happy, but about trusting God, even when things seem impossible. It's about learning to love God for Himself, not just for what He can do for us. As the Bible says, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). When we trust in God, even when things seem darkest, we are exercising faith, and that's what God wants from us. So, don't ask, "Why did God take my retirement?" Instead, ask, "What does God want to give me in this situation?" and trust that He will work all things together for your good.