LIVING IN YOUR EXTENDED YEARS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Isaiah 38:5
Supporting Texts: Psalm 90:12, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Ephesians 5:15-17, John 9:4, 2 Kings 20:1-11
INTRODUCTION:
When God grants an extension of life, it is not just for personal pleasure or ease—it is for purpose. Hezekiah’s 15 extra years were not an accident; they were an opportunity to realign with God's agenda and make a greater impact. Life extensions are divine seasons for fruitful living.
Many people waste time not realising that every extra day, every prolonged season of life, is a gift that must be invested. God doesn't preserve us for fun—He preserves us for function. He extends years for those who still have purpose in His programme.
In this message, we will examine how to live meaningfully and purposefully in the extended years God grants us. We must learn how to maximise grace, live with urgency, and walk in divine relevance.
1. LIVE PURPOSEFULLY, NOT CARELESSLY
a) Extended Life Is for Fulfilled Purpose
God added years to Hezekiah's life so he could finish his assignment well (Isaiah 38:5).
b) Avoid Wasting Time on Vanity
The Bible teaches us to number our days and apply our hearts to wisdom (Psalm 90:12).
c) Pursue What Matters in Eternity
Not all things are worthy of our time; pursue what has eternal value (Matthew 6:33).
d) Live for God, Not for Self
In extended seasons, shift from self-centred living to God-centred purpose (2 Corinthians 5:15).
Biblical Example: Paul’s life after his Damascus encounter was fully dedicated to divine purpose (Acts 20:24).
2. MAXIMISE TIME WITH INTENTIONALITY
a) Be Wise in the Use of Time
Redeem the time because the days are evil—use it well (Ephesians 5:16).
b) Avoid Procrastination
Jesus said, "I must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day" (John 9:4).
c) Prioritise Divine Assignments
Hezekiah had national responsibilities to fulfil, and God gave him more time to complete them (2 Kings 20:6).
d) Focus on Eternal Legacies
What you build in your extended years should outlive you (Proverbs 13:22).
Biblical Example: David used his time to prepare for the building of the temple, even though Solomon would build it (1 Chronicles 22:5).
3. WALK IN COVENANT OBEDIENCE
a) Extended Years Require Deeper Walks
God expects more obedience in extended years—He adds time to lives that honour Him (Isaiah 38:3).
b) Renew Your Commitment to Holiness
A new lease on life should come with renewed dedication to righteousness (Romans 12:1).
c) Strengthen Your Altar of Prayer
Hezekiah’s life was extended because he prayed. Maintain that altar daily (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
d) Stay Away from Past Mistakes
Don’t return to what God delivered you from; walk worthy of the extension (John 5:14).
Biblical Example: Jonah’s life was spared in the belly of the fish; he obeyed and fulfilled the mission in Nineveh (Jonah 3:1–3).
4. IMPACT OTHERS IN YOUR NEW SEASON
a) Use Extended Time to Serve Others
Your new lease on life should bless others. Be a vessel of impact (Acts 20:35).
b) Mentor and Disciple Others
Teach and train others with the wisdom and experience you’ve gained (2 Timothy 2:2).
c) Be a Voice of Testimony
Share what God has done. Hezekiah wrote a song of praise after his healing (Isaiah 38:9–20).
d) Advance the Kingdom with Zeal
Pour your energy into what advances the gospel and blesses the church (Philippians 1:21–25).
Biblical Example: Anna the prophetess was old but continued to serve God in the temple, blessing baby Jesus (Luke 2:36–38).
5. PREPARE FOR ETERNITY DAILY
a) Extended Life Is a Mercy Period
Every added year is a grace period to prepare well for eternity (2 Peter 3:9).
b) Live Each Day as if It’s Your Last
Be found ready at all times; Jesus could return any moment (Matthew 24:44).
c) Avoid Complacency
Don’t take the extension for granted—use it to draw closer to God (Revelation 3:2).
d) Let Heaven Be Your Goal
Live in such a way that you will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
Biblical Example: Simeon lived waiting for the consolation of Israel. He saw Christ and departed in peace (Luke 2:25–30).
CONCLUSION:
Extended years are not for comfort but for covenant. God gave Hezekiah 15 more years to fulfil what was still in his divine script. Likewise, if God has preserved your life, healed you, delivered you, or saved you from premature death, it is because there is still work to be done. Your second chance is your fresh chance.
Do not waste the grace. Invest every new day. Wake up with purpose, walk in obedience, serve others, and prepare for eternity. Your extended years are heaven’s investment in your destiny. Use them wisely, and you will end gloriously.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to live wisely and purposefully in every day You’ve added to my life.
2. Father, let me not waste the grace of extended years—show me what to do with my time.
3. Lord, align my heart with Your divine agenda for my life and legacy.
4. Holy Spirit, empower me to be productive and impactful in this new season.
5. O God, let my life be a testimony of fruitfulness and fulfillment until my last breath.
