In today’s post to his blog, Jack’s Winning Words, Pastor Freed used this quote – “Beginning well is a momentary thing; finishing well is a lifelong thing.” (Ravi Zacharias)
He also mentioned that he recalled spectators yelling “finish strong” at his grandchildren’s cross-country meets – encouraging them to give their last best measure at the finish. Those pieces of advice are good advice for life. We need to finish well and finish strong.
A story from the Bible that comes to mind that fits today’s saying – that of the prodigal son. Many lives seem to echo that parable. Most may have started out well, basically because they were innocent as children and accepted God into their lives without question or hesitation. As they grew in the world and began to experience the many distractions and temptations that were all around, some wandered away from God like the prodigal son. It’s not so much that they rejected God in their lives, just that they forgot about Him in their pursuit of other things – things that looked bright and shiny.
Most eventually find their way back to God, like the prodigal son. Many may return with a sense of humility and regret for having been remiss for so long, just as the prodigal son did. They also discover that God has been patiently waiting for them and happily welcomes them back, just as the father did in the parable. If they ask for and receive God’s forgiveness they are positioned to finish well, finish strong.
All of us know that there is an inevitable finish to life here on earth. How will you finish? Will you give God your last full measure and finish strong? God is waiting at the finish line with the reward of eternal life for those who return to Him. The finish is up to you.
Finish strong!
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