Finish Strong
Finish Strong: “To end off on a good note and to put all of your effort into doing everything to the best of your ability.”
(https://hinative.com/en-US/questions/4495778)
When we begin something new there’s a lot of wonder and celebration. It seems the possibilities are endless and, proverbially, the world is our oyster. As time goes on and the shine and glitter wear down, we begin to wonder…Are we where we are supposed to be? Are we doing the thing God called us to do? There may be some things in your path that weaken your walk…setbacks. Some of you may be in some difficult situations now. You started out with such vim, vigor and promise but life happens, and your strong resolve seems to dissolve…but keep going and finish strong. This is not the end of your journey…you have to continue moving on.
This year has been full of adversities, sickness, deaths, economic challenges, emotional and even spiritual instability, but there are just pitstops not intended to be full stops in our kingdom journey. The Bible encourages—even urges us to finish strong.
“A good reputation is better than expensive pleasures. The day someone dies is better than the day they were born.” Ecclesiastes 7:1 ERV
WHY? Because the beginning of something is like an empty slate. As you progress, you work towards gathering the tools needed TO BUILD in yourself THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST and TO GAIN A GOOD REPUTATION IN CHRIST for the kingdom.
“It is better to finish something than to start it. It is better to be gentle and patient than to be proud and impatient.” Ecclesiastes 7:8 ERV
WHY? Because we gain two characteristics of Christ--gentleness and patience.
“…we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope makes us not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us.” Romans 5:3-5 KJV
Jesus is our ultimate example of finishing strong.
“When He tasted the wine, He said, “It is finished.” Then He bowed His head and died. John 19:30
“He was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.” 1 Corinthians 15:4
It is never about the end of the journey, but the journey itself. God has given each of us a path, not the full picture of the whole journey, but steps to take toward an end. A strong finish allows for a strong new beginning. It is a circular effect. Finishing strong allows you the energy to begin the next leg of the journey. Keep your eyes on the next goal/task/new thing ever pushing you toward in the kingdom of God.
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 NLT
