There’s something powerful about a plane that’s made it through the climb, endured turbulence, and now begins its descent. The cabin is calm, the passengers are relaxed, and the airport lights begin to appear in the distance. But here’s the thing, just because the runway is in sight doesn’t mean the journey is over. In fact, the final approach can still be one of the most dangerous parts of the flight.
'So beware if you think it could never happen to you, lest your pride becomes your downfall.' - 1 Corinthians 10:12
One real-life reminder of this came from the crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 214 in 2013. On approach to San Francisco International Airport, the crew misjudged the aircraft’s speed and descent rate. Despite clear weather and a visible runway, they struck the seawall just short of the landing strip. Three people lost their lives, and many others were injured. They were so close, yet tragedy still found them.
It’s a sober reminder: in both aviation and faith, finishing well takes just as much attention, if not more – than starting strong.
Landing with Damage
There are times in life when we reach the end of a season, a ministry, a relationship, or a calling, and we’re not in perfect condition. Maybe some instruments are broken. Maybe we’ve picked up wounds along the way. Perhaps we’ve lost some altitude or control. But the goal is not a perfect landing, it’s a safe one.
In aviation, pilots are trained to land even with failed instruments or mechanical issues. They run through specific emergency landing checklists, communicating with the control tower every step of the way. They declare their situation, adjust their approach, and sometimes must instruct passengers to brace for impact. It’s not the smooth landing they hoped for, but it’s still a landing.
What’s Your Spiritual Checklist?
As we approach the end of a season in life, we need to check in:
- Am I holding onto bitterness or releasing forgiveness?
- Am I finishing with integrity?
- Have I said what needed to be said?
- Have I honoured God all the way through?
Just like a pilot runs through a final approach checklist, we need to be intentional about how we finish what God has entrusted to us. We don’t drift into a good ending, we land there, carefully.
Communication With the Tower
Even during landing, the pilot never stops communicating with the control tower. In fact, this phase is one of the most communication-heavy parts of the flight. Altitude, distance, speed, and status updates are shared regularly.
In the same way, don’t stop talking to God as you near the end of something. Whether it’s the end of a job, a ministry season, or even life itself, your relationship with God must remain active. Let Him guide your descent. Let Him tell you when to adjust, slow down, or hold. Don’t assume you can coast to the finish.
“Better is the end of a thing than its beginning.” - Ecclesiastes 7:8 (ESV)
Brace for the Bumps
Sometimes, even when everything seems in place, the landing gets bumpy. You might hit some emotional turbulence. Old fears might resurface. Doubts, weariness, even a sense of regret may try to creep in. Don’t panic. Brace yourself in faith.
Just like passengers are told to sit upright, fasten their seatbelts, and prepare for touchdown, we need to be spiritually alert and secure as we approach the close of any chapter.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
Faithfulness, Not Flawlessness
Let’s be honest—very few landings are flawless. But they don’t have to be. God is not calling us to be perfect, but faithful. To finish what He started in us with courage, humility, and dependence on Him.
Whether you’re nearing the end of a project, a season of service, a personal journey, or life itself, ask yourself—am I finishing strong?
This isn’t the time to get careless. It’s not the time to relax your convictions or stop checking in with the Lord. It’s the time to lean in, stay focused, and trust your training. Because a good takeoff is important, but a safe landing brings you home.
And when the wheels touch down, and the brakes are applied, and the aircraft slows to a halt, you’ll realise: you made it.
Final Thought
You’ve flown through the unknown, survived turbulence, trusted your instruments, declared your emergencies, and followed the voice from the tower. Now, it’s time to land. Even if your approach is shaky, God is faithful to bring you safely to where you’re meant to be.
The runway is in sight. Stay alert. Stay connected. Finish strong.
The next post: Taxiing In – Embracing What’s Next
John Thole is the voice behind Beyond Salvation, a blog that captures the highs and lows of life through faith, laughter, and honest reflection. With a passion for storytelling, technology, and spiritual growth, he creates content that resonates with seekers, believers, and anyone navigating life’s journey. Whether sharing personal insights, devotionals, or thought-provoking discussions, John aims to inspire, uplift, and spark meaningful conversations.
