How do we finish well?

Have you ever felt really exhausted? Not just the kind of tired you feel after a long day, but that deep, soul-level exhaustion? The kind that makes you want to curl up in a quiet room and forget about everything for a while? If your answer is yes, I want to say this, you are not alone.

In ministry, in parenting, in marriage, in work, or even in our quiet spiritual walk, we all have those moments. And if you're part of a church community or serve in any capacity, whether as a volunteer, teacher, musician, leader, encourager, prayer warrior, you probably know what this kind of weariness feels like.

Years ago, when we started planting our local church here in Phnom Penh, it was a season full of transitions and stretching. I remember how Vandy, my husband, would be physically and emotionally exhausted every weekend. He would clean and rearrange the house for our gatherings, prepare his sermon, lead worship, play guitar, set up the chairs, welcome people with a smile, and pray with them. Sometimes I wondered how he had the energy to do all that. I would watch him pour his whole heart into it. And there were moments when we both felt like we were running on empty.

We moved from one apartment to another during those early years because our budget was tight. We needed a place big enough for our growing Bible study group, but also affordable enough to survive the month. It wasn’t easy. The living space doubled as our church. Sometimes I’d wake up, step over sound equipment, and start cooking breakfast in the kitchen while our son David is playing. It felt like our entire lives were one big balancing act.

But through all that, we were held by one thing: God’s grace.

The Strength Behind the Exhaustion

It would be dishonest to say I didn’t consider giving up at times. I did. When our son got diagnosed with mild autism. When funds were low. When the seats were empty. When friends and co-workers in the ministry gave up. When life got in the way and people stepped out of their faith journey because it all just became too hard. These were not just rumors, we knew their stories. People who had once stood with us in prayer and purpose, suddenly disappeared, overwhelmed by life’s weight.

That left a mark on our hearts.

And then came the questions. Are we next? What does finishing well really mean? What happens when you give your best and it still doesn’t feel enough? Is God still pleased? Is He still with us when we are too tired to pray?

The answer, I have learned through the years, is yes. A thousand times yes.

Galatians 6:9 

I remember one morning, feeling completely worn out. God led me to this:

"Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." — Galatians 6:9

It was like God whispered, "Keep going."

This verse from Paul wasn’t just for the early church in Galatia. It is for us today. For every parent raising children in love. For every single person waiting in faith. For every missionary, pastor, worship leader, small group leader, or believer just trying to hold on to hope.

Even the godly grow tired.

Even Jesus had to withdraw from the crowds to rest and pray.

So, if you feel tired today, you are in good company.

It’s Okay to Be Weary

Sometimes in church circles, we don't talk enough about burnout. We think that if we are serving God, we should be fine. But we are still human. We get tired. We cry. We feel discouraged.

And God knows that.

He doesn’t expect us to be superheroes. He expects us to abide in Him. To rest in Him. To come to Him. He knows that even in doing good, we will feel tired. And He lovingly tells us to persevere, not with our own strength but with His.

What Finishing Well Looks Like

Finishing well is not about being perfect. It's not about keeping it all together. It's not about numbers, or achievements, or applause.

Finishing well is about staying the course. It’s waking up and choosing to trust again. Choosing to forgive. Choosing to pray. Choosing to take the next step in obedience even when no one else sees.

When I look at my son David, now stepping into high school, I can only say, wow, God. Thank You. We started with nothing but a calling and a prayer. And yet here we are. He has never left us. He has carried us.

I look back and see the moments of tears and worry and feel a holy kind of joy. Because those were the moments when God was most near.

Encouragement for the Weary

If you are reading this and you're feeling like quitting, don’t.

Rest. Yes.

Pause. Yes.

But don’t give up.

You might be in a season where the harvest isn’t visible yet. That’s okay. Seeds take time to grow. And some of the harvest we are working for won’t even be seen on this side of heaven.

God sees you. He sees your late nights, your hidden sacrifices, your faithful service, your silent prayers. Nothing is wasted.

Paul reminded the early believers: keep doing good. Keep walking in love. Keep showing up for your family, for your church, for your calling.

Not because you are strong, but because God is.

Let Your Life Speak

In Cambodia, where spiritual soil can often feel dry and hard, we are beginning to see shoots of new life. Young people are coming to Christ. Marriages are being restored. Worship is rising in homes. The gospel is being shared in quiet conversations over coffee and meals. All because a few tired but willing people chose not to give up.

This is the harvest.

And it’s not just ours. It’s yours too.

Whether you are in Cambodia, the Philippines, the US, or anywhere else, your life is speaking something. Your quiet faithfulness speaks. Your love speaks. Your work matters.

A Prayer for the Weary Ones

Lord,

You know how tired we are. You see the parts of our hearts we keep hidden. Thank You for reminding us that we are not alone. Thank You for Your promise that we will reap a harvest in due time.

Give us strength to continue. Help us not to grow weary. Help us to see the purpose behind the pain and the joy waiting at the finish line. Remind us daily that You are our rest and reward.

Amen.

To Those Who Have Gone Before Us

Some of our dear friends in the faith have stepped away from ministry. Some are going through hard times. Some may feel forgotten or ashamed for walking away. If that’s you, know that there is still grace. There is still an open door.

God isn’t finished with your story.

We hope you come back. We miss you. Not just because of what you did, but because of who you are. The family of God is not the same without you.

And to those still in the race, keep going. Keep trusting. Keep doing good.

The finish line is worth it.

Reflection Questions

• Where are you growing weary today?

• What is one good thing God is asking you to keep doing?

• Who around you needs encouragement today?

• What would it look like for you to finish well in your current season?

Whatever season you are in right now, remember this: You are not alone. You are not forgotten. And you are not finished.

May your heart be filled with courage to take the next step. May you find rest in the Lord today. And may you never forget that in due time, there will be a harvest.

So don’t give up.

Keep doing good.

Finish well.

Have a blessed day. And take time to rest in the Lord. 

Let us all finish well! 

Tess 💪💕🙏