The Bible tells us that God always finishes what he starts: “God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished” (Philippians 1:6 NLT).

It doesn’t say, “God might finish it.” It doesn’t say, “God hopes to finish it.” It says God will finish it. What does that mean for you, pastor?

It means if you have really given your life to Jesus Christ, you are going to make it to heaven. There’s no doubt about it. Case closed. Done deal.

You are going to make it across the finish line because it doesn’t depend upon your performance; it depends upon God’s sustaining grace. 

The only question is how you finish the race.

We all know church leaders who don’t finish well. Ministry can be tough, so sometimes people quit. Other times, leaders experience a moral failure. Or they just get tired and limp across the finish line. No one gets into ministry expecting to finish like that.

How can you be sure you’re going to finish the race of life well? 

By relying on God’s sustaining grace. God wants to sustain you and your ministry throughout your entire life. He wants you to sprint across the finish line.

What is sustaining grace?

Sustaining grace is the power to keep on going when you feel like giving up. It’s the power to do the right thing when you don’t feel like doing the right thing.

There are many pitfalls in the marathon race of life. But regardless of what you face in 2023, you can count on God’s sustaining grace.

“My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace” (1 Peter 5:12 NLT).