Your destiny is ahead not behind you.
“Straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal
to win the prize for which God has called me.” Philippians 3:14
My thoughts and comments today are about, “finishing well.”
Life is about how well you finish, not how well you begin. In your endeavors, you will encounter challenging moments in the process of achieving successful conclusions. At the initiation of any worthwhile venture, you anticipate getting started and expect to experience profound satisfaction upon its completion. You have to continue with diligence and determination to achieve that end.
The Apostle Paul was clear. “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 NIV. Your destiny is ahead of you, not behind you. The problem is this. Somewhere along the way the hard work begins. Weariness and worry can become your adversary rather than friend. Midway, your will to proceed will be tested. You may feel like turning around or just quitting where you are.
Along the path, there will always be places where you feel tired and times when you feel like giving up. You can give up any time, but no time is a good time to quit. Tiredness and its resulting uncertainty rob you of success. The Bible describes people of faith and endurance, with which God is pleased to identify Himself. “If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country – a Heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Read Hebrews 11:13-16 NIV.
I want to live so that God and others are not ashamed. At times when I feel I have made little progress and the end seems still too far away, I hear my Dad’s voice when he would encourage me, “Son, you shouldn’t start something that you don’t intend to finish.” There have been many times that his words helped me try a little harder and go a little further. The Bible says, “He who plows should plow in hope.” 1 Corinthians 9:10. When hope wavers, the inspiring vision of accomplishment weakens.
Success awaits those who navigate life with joy and resolve. Be encouraged forward by your vision to finish well. Success is ahead for the one who who manages the less certain times and perseveres through the wearying challenges with courage and determination. Success is always harder than you thought, takes longer than you planned, but is sweeter than you hoped. Paul urges you, ”Don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for you will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.” Galatians 6:9 NLT. It is never a good time to quit doing a good thing.
Today I pray for you to never lose hope nor the vision with which you begin.
Christian Communications 2018
Website and archives: allenrandolph.com