The Shepherd Finishes What He Starts

The Christian life is a long journey. For most of us, it takes decades and decades. If it weren't for God's grace, a journey that long might be intimidating. What will I do when life gets tough? What if I have doubts along the way? Will I have what it takes to make it all the way to the end?

If we were relying on our own good works to make it to the finish line of the Christian faith, questions like these would crush us. None of us would make it. But the good news of the gospel is that we aren't responsible for making it to the end. God is. After all, we didn't start our walk of faith because it was our idea. God began the good work in us. And God always finishes what He starts.

Start to finish, the Christian life is God's work. He is the Good Shepherd; we are the sheep. And sheep aren't particularly bright. If sheep make it to their final destination, it's not because they are clever or strong. It's because the shepherd brought them there. So it is with us: God will sustain us to the end, not because we've read the right books or mastered the right spiritual disciplines. He will sustain us to the end because, in His grace, He has promised to do it. Full stop.

Walk it out this week: when you stumble, say it back to God. "You began this. You will finish it." Then get up and take the next step.

Adapted from The Ancient Path: A 40-Day Journey Through the Book of 1 Corinthians, written by Ancient Path staff writer Chris Pappalardo.

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