“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)
We face many pitfalls in the marathon of life. But regardless of what you go through, you can count on God’s sustaining grace.
The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:12, “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” (NLT).
There are three things that can cause you to stumble in your race and not finish well in life. But in each of these situations, God’s sustaining grace will get you through.
- God’s sustaining grace helps you avoid sinning when you’re tempted.
Temptation is the first thing that can cause you to stumble. The Bible says, “God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT).
God will provide the sustaining grace you need to escape. It may mean turning the channel, running out the door, or changing the way you’re thinking. But God will provide a way to escape temptation. - God’s sustaining grace helps you keep standing when you’re tired.
Sometimes you’re not tempted. Sometimes you’re just tired! Life requires a lot of energy, especially when you’re trying to do the right thing rather than the easy thing. But where do you get the power to do the right thing when you’re tired?
“It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has .. identified us as His own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22, NLT). The key is the Holy Spirit in you, who gives you the energy to do the things you can’t do in your own power. - God’s sustaining grace helps you keep going when you’re troubled.
There are some hurts in life that are unrelenting and undeserved — and they hurt the most.
What do you do in those situations? You first stop playing the “if only” game and instead focus on Christ and His sustaining power. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with My right hand that saves you” (NCV).
Ponderings:
- How has God’s sustaining grace carried you through difficult times?
- What do you think it means to play the “if only” game? When have you used this excuse?
- How can you extend God’s sustaining grace to others?
Remember, in being made holy, God has called us to good works in His name; Ephesians 2:8-10 says, “God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
Prayer
Father, I thank You for Your free gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus. Reach out Your right hand and support me when I stumble, lift me up when I fall, and light my way through the darkness.
Pray, praise, give thanks, and stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
