Interconnected: RelationshipsSample

Finishing the Divine Task

Growing up, I was never taught to finish what you start. Seems to go without saying doesn’t it? However, it was far easier to quit if the interest waned or the going proved too demanding. Why do today what I can put off until tomorrow?” Sound familiar?

I am convinced that among some of us well-meaning Christians, the same condition applies. At first glance, our intentions are honorable: to begin a ministry, go on a short-term missions trip, or assist the less fortunate. However, what often happens is our passion gives way to process. Soon after, apathy rears its ugly head and what once was a desire of the heart, becomes a burden on the calendar instead. 

“How can I expect to finish, when I don’t have the time to start?” Still sound familiar? What if at the outset of the interest, we had a conversation with God that sounds like . . . “Lord, because this is something You have placed on my heart, I know You will provide me with the strength and desire to finish. My yearning Lord is to honor You in the midst of the assignment.”

Paul told Timothy, “This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause!” (2 Timothy 4:7 MSG). Paul didn’t just finish; he finished with excellence. He viewed the thing God had impressed upon his heart as a divine assignment worthy of completion. That is why he could tell Timothy, “Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5 NIV).

There’s another reason God calls us to finish well—our actions speaker louder than our words. In Scripture, we are reminded that others are watching us as we read, “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do” (Philippians 3:17 NIV)  

Finishing our divine task not only pleases God, but it also gives us the added privilege of allowing others to glean from our obedience. Finishing well means He is not only your Savior, but also your Lord. It’s what Timothy saw in Paul. It’s what Potiphar saw in Joseph. It’s what Jesus sees in you!

DIG: Can you think of a task you’ve been putting off?
DISCOVER: Read Philippians 4:13. Although it’s a familiar verse, ask God what He is saying to you related to unfinished work.
DISPLAY: Find someone to hold you accountable and ask God to give you a passion for finishing well.