Three Verses to Remember as We Close the Year
From Pastor Rick Warren
As the year comes to a close and we look back on all God has done across the globe through our Great Commission Allies, I can’t help but thank God for you.
Every one of you who has contributed to the work of Finishing the Task—your prayers, your generosity, your leadership, your faithfulness—I want you to know how deeply grateful I am. As we end this year, I want to leave you with three Bible verses and three truths to remember about everything you did this past year, in any ministry or role you served in.
1. Your service is making a difference
The first verse is 2 Corinthians 4:15. This verse teaches a vital truth: your service matters. What you did this past year made a real difference.
Scripture says, “As God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.” That’s why we do what we do. As God’s grace spreads, lives are changed—and God receives greater glory.
When we work on these Finishing the Task goals, we’re not just staying busy. We’re not just filling time. Lives are being changed every single day. People are coming to Christ. Communities are being transformed. God is being glorified!
What you’re doing is not just a job. It’s a calling. Whatever role you played this year, your service mattered to God and to his kingdom.
And this work isn’t limited to one country or one place. As Colossians 1:6 reminds us, “The same good news that came to you is now going out all over the world.” Through Finishing the Task, your faithfulness is making a difference globally.
Don’t end this year without recognizing this truth: your ministry matters.
2. Your service is remembered by God
The second truth is this: everything you did this year is remembered by God.
Hebrews 6:10 says, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people.” We may forget the details of this year. Others may never see all that you gave. But God sees—and God remembers.
Your service is not overlooked. Your love is not unnoticed. Every act of faithfulness is held in God’s memory.
Psalm 37:18 tells us, “Day by day the Lord observes the good deeds done by the godly.” God is paying attention. Nothing you did for him was wasted.
3. Your service will be rewarded for eternity
Finally, your service will be rewarded—not temporarily, but eternally.
Psalm 37:18 goes on to say that the Lord “gives them eternal rewards.” I’m actually glad we don’t receive the full reward here, because it would end too quickly. What God has prepared lasts forever.
1 Peter 5:4 promises, “When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive a never-ending share in his glory and honor.” The Bible tells us we will reign with Christ—sharing in his glory for eternity.
I like to imagine it this way: heaven’s marquee reads, “Now starring for eternity: Jesus Christ… co-starring: you.”
That’s what it means to share in his glory.
Because of these truths—that your service makes a difference, that it is remembered by God, and that it will be rewarded forever—Scripture encourages us with these words:
1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” What you do when you serve and give on behalf of the Kingdom counts. It will count for eternity.
So let me say this clearly as we close the year:
I’m proud of you.
I’m grateful for you.
I’m thankful for you.
To all those co-laboring on the work of the Great Commission—you’re doing a good job. It’s a privilege to serve alongside you. Thank you for your faithfulness, and thank you for being part of Finishing the Task.
