Finishing What Was Started
The summer Olympics are fast approaching, a time when athletes from all over the world unite to compete, not just for the thrill of the game, but to leave a lasting mark by finishing well. The broadcasters won’t be discussing who started with a bang but who had the grit and determination to finish strong, inspiring us all.
Someone may be first off the starting line, but if they do not finish, it doesn’t count.
We’ve all encountered individuals who start numerous projects but fail to see them through to the end. This tendency to leave things unfinished often results in a trail of unresolved tasks and unfulfilled potential.
Imagine a builder who markets homes and then goes out and only builds the floor and the frames of the houses but does not complete the roof, the walls, or any of the rest of the house. They start well, get halfway done, and then move on to another house. That is a builder who will not be in business for very long.
Completion is a big deal; it’s just something we do not often give much thought to. I’m glad Jesus is not that way.
The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the believers at Philippi while he was in chains for the gospel. In that letter, he wrote something I think is very important. He wrote about the confidence he possessed concerning the believers and why he possessed such confidence.
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Paul’s confidence was not in the believers themselves. His confidence was in the One who began a work in them. Paul knew the builder! Paul’s confidence was in the character and faithfulness of the builder!
This is great news! My completion is not hinging on my abilities and willpower; it hinges on His determination and power. He has committed Himself to bringing me across the finish line! The same is true for you!
We have not come to a Savior who merely starts well but cannot finish what He started. Jesus will bring to completion every single one He has made a New Creation. It is Christ who will get us across the finish line. We run our best race when we trust in His goodness to give us a good start, sustain us in the middle of the journey, and then boost our strength with His own to bring us across the finish line.
Looking unto Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith! He is not just that starter of our faith. He is the finisher of it! Finishing what he started is His trademark! That should give us great confidence whenever we are at that part of the race that feels impossible. Look to Him! He will bring you all the way!
