“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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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).
Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer known for founding Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He has written several best-selling books, including The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 35 million copies in 200 languages. Time magazine named Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since stepping down from the lead pastor role at Saddleback in 2022, Warren has continued to inspire people through his Daily Hope Devotional and podcast Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope. His first book in a decade, Created to Dream, was released in April 2023.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
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Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California with campuses in major cities around the world. He is the author of The Purpose Driven Life, which has been translated into 90 languages and sold more than 50 million copies in all formats. You can listen to his daily radio broadcast at PastorRick.com.
