Day 1: Why You Should Finish Strong

“God who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” - Philippians 1:6

In life, nothing just happens. The outcomes we experience are due to a number of things, predicated on actions or inactions either by us or someone else. These outcomes are also driven by several factors, including spiritual principles, personal choices, mindset and so on.

In the same way, we can take a step to start something, but the way we finish will determine the overall result. Think about it. Have you seen people who start things but never quite complete them? Maybe you have experienced it in your own life. This disposition is not God's will for us. He is a God who completes what He starts, and that is something He desires for us.

Finishing well is not about completing all “our goals”, tallying numbers, and sharing what we have done with others to uphold a certain image; rather, it is about finishing the year or season the way the Lord wants us to complete it. No matter what you have been through this year or season, know that you can finish it well because you have God’s backing, and there is nothing impossible for Him.

Completing a season well is also a good springboard as one transitions into the next, as it helps provide the required clarity and focus. It means we won't spend time dwelling on mistakes or things we should have moved on from, so be clear in your mind that God wants you to Finish Strong!

As you embark on this journey of intentionally setting out to Finish Strong, it is important one is prepared and has the right mindset.

Here are 6 key things you should seek to carry out:

1. Retreat: Carve out some quality time to unplug, reflect and recoup. This should be a time where you spend quality time with God away from your regular routine and all the distractions that can come with everyday life. It is recommended to do this for at least a 3-day stretch.

2. Reflect: Look back on the year, but do not get stuck there! Outline what worked well, what did not and why, what were the circumstances that helped or hindered you and so on. This process is intended to help you appraise the season with the ultimate goal of moving forward. So don’t get immobilized by regret.

3. Repent: If you have been disobedient, then this is the time to get right with God. Repentance is not just asking God for forgiveness, but it is about making a 180-degree pivot. Repentance is both a heart posture and practical action which means we purposefully turn away from that which is not pleasing to God. The Greek word for this is ‘metanoia’ which means to turn and change one's mind.

4. Let Go: Decide what you are going to leave behind. In other words, use this opportunity to actively consider anything you no longer want to take forward. It may be fear, pride, procrastination, unforgiveness, myopic thinking, and so on. Identifying these and making the decision to leave these traits behind will serve you well. Also, set out to intentionally forgive yourself and forgive others where needed. Unforgiveness is a hindrance and is really not worth it!

5. Forward-Focused Mindset: Get ready to embrace change! Be determined to not see things as they have always been. Acknowledge where changes need to be made to move ahead, even if you do not have the solution yet.

6. Prophetic Advantage: Accept that God wants you to operate with an awareness of the times, and that He wants to communicate with you. This is a prophetic advantage that rests in you as a believer and moving in this should be your new normal.