Keeping the End in Sight
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith.
– 2 Timothy 4:6-7
The end is only a means to the next challenge. Challenges are nothing more than opportunities for greatness. Greatness can be good or bad. The unfortunate part about greatness is that greatness measured in the world’s eyes is past tense, In other words it already happened and while the world focuses on the past, the present and future will pass them by.
You can’t dwell on what has already happened, but you should use it as a means to get you to the next finish line. The next thing God has called you to. That’s why dreams are so important. God speaks to us through dreams. It may seem funny, but think on this…you cannot go back and redo what has already been done. You can definitely start over again so that the finish or the end, ends up different. Amen!
All of us lack talent in certain areas. Those of us who lack the talent in certain areas
usually fail to stir up our other important qualities. We must have that never give up
attitude. We must possess a steadfast spirit.
Being steadfast means, unswerving, solid, persistent, trustworthy, determined,
Committed, firm, resolute and dedicated. Is that you? If yes then that’s good because you keep moving forward into what is the start of something that will have an end. If no then you have to make a choice. A choice to start and finish or end with a different result.
Have you ever noticed, let’s say in a boxing match or a soccer match that when an opponent loses they always look for a rematch. Why is that? They want a much different end or result. They didn’t like the results of the past performance.
Being steadfast seems to make us believe that we must give more that we have. This is not true. If this was the case then we would never really push ourselves. Being steadfast requires us to give our all. 100% and to be determined to finish strong. No exceptions.
When two opponents both do their best, there may be only one winner for a moment, but how you finish will always drive you to improve. In your walk with Jesus, what does He think of you? When you fail does He bury you in shame or does He will lift you up, by presenting you with another opportunity to finish or end the next opportunity differently?
Don’t wait on fate or luck to determine your success. When trying times come, and they will, you must tough it out. You must be steadfast and determined, it isn’t a time to quit until you’ve given it your best for the present time. Always remember to finish or end strong.
If you were in a Soccer match, you never quit when you get tired, you quit when your opponent gets tired and only when you have overtaken them. The last step you take is just as important as the first step. Have you ever watched a footrace? There are times when someone gets out of the starting blocks quickly, but if they don’t press on, the lead will quickly vanish.
Questions to ponder
Are you steadfast in your heart?
When times get tough do you throw a pity party and quit?
Are you steadfast in you thinking?
Are you resolute in your commitment to finish well?
Steps
Get a journal and write down your thoughts, actions, and responses to what comes your way. Learn from it, grow from it, but most of all take it before the Lord in prayer and He will order your steps and the outcome or the finish or the end will be much different and it will be much more fulfilling.
Start a Vision board. Some know it as setting goals. I say get an actual board and start putting on it the things you are working on or the things you desire. Put those things on the board. Put things up on it that will help you get the desired result. Those things may be pictures or thoughts or sayings that go along with the vision. Keep it in front of you daily so it becomes a roadmap for you and so you never lose sight of what is important to you.
Thoughts for the day!
Give all that you have, not more than you got! It is okay to quit, but only when the job or task is finished. Work with determination, and don’t rely on your potential. Potential is what has not come to be yet. Rely on what the Lord thinks about you. Finish strong, it’s contagious. Others see it and it can give them hope. The way you finish will always determine how you start and how you cross the finish line the next time.
Always remember, He makes it happen, you make it count!
Blessings!
