Finishing Strong

by Wilson Adams

Introduction

To hang in there in times like ours is a tough assignment.  It calls for commitment and hard-line determination.  Thoroughness is a rare quality of character these days.  Completing a project with enthusiasm is highly unusual in a world that tries to just get by.  Many a school paper, many a course, many a promise bears the ominous mark: incomplete.  Starters are a dime a dozen.  What we need are people who know how to "finish!"

Your struggle may be... Finishing college... Fulfilling your promises to your mate... Coping with sickness or being a care giver of a loved one... Remaining faithful in your allegiance to Jesus Christ...

...and the pressure is mounting to slack off and turn your back on your commitment.  Don't.  Don't be a starter; be a finisher!   Fulfill your commitments, keep your word, hang in there!

  1. COMMON RESPONSES TO PRESSURE

    1. Indifference;  This reaction says, "Don't sweat the details... So what if it's not finished... Who cares... Whatever..."  This is PASSIVITY.

    2. Impulsiveness - which is the opposite reaction to indifference.  This attitude says, "When problems come, run!    Bail Out!   Walk away!"  The by-line of the impulsive crowd is: "if it feels good, do it."  This is IRRESPONSIBILITY.

    3. Insecurity - which says, "Watch what everyone else does and do that."  Insecurity blinds distinctiveness and falls prey to peer pressure.  This is CONFORMITY.  Neither of these three: passivity, irresponsibility, nor conformity will equip you to finish.  They will, in fact, give you every excuse not to.

  2. BIBLICAL COUNSEL ON FINISHING - 2 Timothy 4:6-8
    Four guidelines for finding the faith to finish.

    1. Face facts realistically, vs. 6.   Paul wrote Timothy from a Roman prison with death breathing down his neck.   Knowing that, he did not engage in denial but, instead, faced the facts.  No one finishes strong who lives in a dream world.  Remember this truth: denial weakens determination!

      Do you face your problems or run from them?

    2. Be committed to finishing, vs. 7.   Finishing requires three essential ingredients:

      1. Durability:  "I have fought the good fight..."  Life is a constant series of battles with Satan -- fighting temptation, bad habits, spiritual apathy, trying to keep good attitudes, etc.   We must have durability.

      2. Direction:  "I have finished the course..."  Paul had a plan for his life; he had goals.   Do you?

      3. Determination:  "I have kept the faith..."  Paul was determined to cross the finish line.

        How many unfinished projects can be found around your house? (Did that hit a nerve?)  Unfinished projects drain our emotional energy because they take away the excitement for other things that could be fulfilling and challenging.  We're not talking about home improvements as much as LIFE IMPROVEMENTS -- as much as SPIRITUAL IMPROVEMENTS!

        asked Henry Ford, Sr. about the secret to success.  "Simple," said Ford, "if you start something, finish it!"

        Focus on the future when the present is difficult, vs. 8.  "In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness..."  Paul could realistically see that death was near, yet he chose to look beyond death to a future hope anchored in Jesus Christ.  He focused on the future.

        1. Struggling with your education?  Focus on graduating.

        2. Struggling with your children?  Focus on the end product.

        3. Struggling with upcoming surgery?  Focus on the eventual relief it will bring.

        4. Struggling as a Christian?  Focus on heaven and eternity with God, Rom. 8:18

          A tip on focusing: Pray!

      4. Realize that you are not the only one struggling, vs. 8b.  "And not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing..."  One of the most demoralizing battles of life is the feeling that we are alone.  But we are not alone.  There are others engaged in the same battles as we are; others who have the same hope as we do.

        We're all in this together!  That's why it is essential that we pull together!

    3. WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE QUITTING

      1. Take the time to count your blessings.  It's easy to count up your problems.  Take a break and look the other direction for a change.  Such periodic spin-offs will spur us on.  "Count your blessings, name them one by one..."

      2. Remind yourself that whatever is worth having is worth the effort.  Nothing worthwhile ever comes easily.  Stay at it.  Work at it.  Renew your focus and keep reminding yourself of this promise of God -- one day it will surely be worth it all.

    Starters are common.  Rare
    are those who will pay the
    price to finish.  Will you be
    one of them?

    Conclusion
    God loves you so much He sent His Son to this earth to die so that you could live -- with Him forever.  You are SOMEBODY to God.  He wants you as His child and a member of His family.  Isn't it about time you slammed the door on your past and ended each day confident of and thankful for the forgiveness of your sins?  "Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins..." Acts 22:16

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