“Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2Tim.2:1). “It’s good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace” (Heb.13:9)
Lord Jesus, “finishing strong”—a phrase appropriate to all kinds of sports teams, but also perfect for ending a year. For some of us, 2025 can’t be over fast enough; for others it may have been the best year ever. For all of us, finishing strong in your grace is closer to our lungs finishing strong with oxygen—meaning essential, not merely nice.
What are the other options? Well, we could finish 2025 paralyzed by various fears. But who, given the option, would happily choose that? Or we could finish the year stuck in resentment—which tastes good for the moment but then turns rancid. Or we could opt for guilt-n-shame—which is often the fuel for New Year’s resolutions that often generate more guilt-n-shame.
But to finish strong in grace implies we’ll turn the calendar with at least these 3 things in place: 1.Being honest about our weaknesses. 2. Loving you and being more dependent on you than ever, Jesus. 3. Walking with Gospel-captured, grace-smelling, Jesus-loving friends throughout 2026.
You made us for yourself, Jesus, and we will remain restless until we rest in you for the first or “umpteenth” time. May 2026 be one big “come to Jesus meeting”—in which you reveal more of yourself to us, and make us more honest, humble, and hopeful about specific ways you intend for us to grow in grace and Jesus-likeness.
But lastly, “be strong in grace” is a plural command, not a solo sport; and being strengthened in grace is “good for our hearts”—not just my heart. Jesus, we will become like the people we spend most of our time with period. Help us pray and think through our relational commitments as we enter 2026. May having and being a Gospel-captured friend be a no-brainer and heart-essential to us. So Very Amen.
