A picture is worth a thousand words — and Highlander Studios recently created a compelling 2-minute trailer for Michael Garst’s book Become Strong, Finish Strong. Using cutting-edge
AI tools, we crafted a distinctive look with powerful storytelling to capture the heart of his message.
WE INVITE YOU TO WATCH THE AI TRAILER HERE: https://vimeo.com/1113355546/ab64097b32
before diving into the full interview.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO INTERVIEW: https://vimeo.com/1122724433/d78c4c0193?share=copy
CONTINUE READING BELOW for the full interview of Become Strong, Finish Strong.
What if retirement isn’t the finish line, but the starting line for the most fruitful years of your life?
Too often, we’re told that retirement is about slowing down, putting up our feet, and finally enjoying the rewards of decades of hard work. But for many, that dream feels empty. Questions linger: Do I have enough? What will I do with my time? Who am I when the career ends?
Author Michael Garst says we’re asking the wrong questions. In his book Become Strong, Finish Strong, he offers a fresh vision of retirement: not as a time to fade into the background, but as an invitation to live with deeper faith, greater purpose, and a lasting legacy.
I had the privilege of sitting down with Michael to hear his story and learn why he believes the best is not behind us — it’s still to come.
Marion: Michael, welcome. Let’s start at the beginning. Could you share a little about your background?
Michael: I grew up on a dairy farm in Maryland, went on to Iowa State University, and became a mechanical engineer. I worked for Lennox for more than 50 years, first full-time and now part-time. I’m not a pastor or seminary graduate — just an ordinary guy who, in the second half of my life, began seeking God’s heart in a much deeper way.
Marion: Has your faith always been as strong as it is today?
Michael: No, not at all. For the first 36 years of my life, I knew about God but didn’t really know Him. My marriage and family relationships were struggling, and I realized I needed to turn back. I started going to church again and, for the first time, read the entire Bible in one year. That was life-changing. Over time, my faith deepened until one day God asked me, “Do you trust Me completely yet?” That question became a turning point.
Marion: That’s powerful. What inspired you to write Become Strong, Finish Strong?
Michael: At first, I thought it would just be about discipleship, because I was concerned that not enough people were serious about it. Later, I heard God’s confirmation through others who told me I needed to write. What shifted everything was reading about missionary Rani Brand. She began her work at 35, lost her husband at 50, but kept going until age 95. That inspired me to add the “Finish Strong” vision: serving God faithfully all the way to the end.
Marion: Mission trips also shaped you deeply. Tell us about those.
Michael: My first trip was to Costa Rica. I loved the sense of community and service so much that I went back for five years. Then God led me to Germany, where I got involved in baseball camp ministry. One camp turned into three, and I saw how God could multiply small beginnings.
Marion: Many people see retirement as a reward — time to relax, travel, and enjoy themselves. But you turn that on its head. Why?
Michael: Because I think retirement is a season to ask, What are my priorities? How do I want to finish? For Christians, it’s about asking God to break our hearts with the things that break His. It’s not just about money or leisure — it’s about serving with purpose.
Marion: You also encourage readers to discover God’s vision for their lives. How can someone know what that vision is?
Michael: A vision from God will always bless people. It will always be bigger than you can accomplish on your own. And because of that, it will always require God’s presence. Beyond that, look back at your life: What has brought you the most fulfillment, joy, and peace when serving others? That often reveals your gifts and calling.
Marion: What spiritual habits do you recommend for growing closer to God in this season?
Michael: For me, it’s four things: read the Bible, study it, meditate on it, and memorize it. Memorization is key — it equips you to respond in any situation. I also spend significant time in prayer, often praying Scripture back to God. Much of my prayer life now is focused on interceding for others, which grows compassion and strengthens relationships.
Marion: And that intimacy with God has to lead to action, right?
Michael: Exactly. Like Peter stepping out of the boat, faith requires obedience. We can’t just sit and talk about discipleship — we have to live it out, whether that’s in our neighborhood or across the ocean.
Marion: You write about service and mentoring. How can retirees practically do this?
Michael: Build it into your schedule. Whether with your spouse, grandchildren, church, or community, make time for intentional service. Don’t just hand out food — get to know people’s names, listen to their stories, pray with them. It’s about real connection.
Marion: What about family relationships? How do you keep those strong in retirement?
Michael: Time and creativity. With my grandkids, I started something we call “Bible Club.” We eat a meal together and read Scripture. It’s a tradition now — and it keeps our relationships fresh and rooted in faith.
Marion: You just returned from Germany. What has God been doing in your life recently?
Michael: I spent five weeks there, three of them leading baseball camps with nearly 250 kids. It wasn’t about performance but about building a loving Christian community. We even witnessed healings and answered prayers. One woman told me, “You brought a ray of hope.” That’s what I want to do — bring hope wherever I go.
Marion: As we wrap up, what three keys would you give for anyone wanting to finish strong?
Michael:
- Read both Old and New Testament, meditate, and memorize Scripture.
- Make a prayer list — start with family, then add others you meet.
- Ask daily, “Who can I bless today?” and then act on it.
Marion: And finally, is there a Scripture that captures your book’s message?
Michael: Yes, Philippians 3:12–14. Paul reminds us to forget what’s behind, press forward, and strain toward the goal. We’re not finished until Jesus calls us home.
Marion: Thank you, Michael. Friends, his book Become Strong, Finish Strong is available wherever books are sold. It’s not only for those nearing or in retirement but for anyone who wants to live with greater faith, discipline, and purpose.
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