It’s Not How You Start, It’s How You Finish

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1 NIV).

In life, we will all have a start, a middle, and a finish. Some start well; others are less fortunate. But it’s not how you start that matters the most; it’s how you finish. As we go through life, we get excited at the beginning of an opportunity, a relationship, or a new venture. We also enjoy celebrating our achievements and having the satisfaction of fulfilled desires. But between the beginning and the end, every situation or pursuit has a “middle.” The middle is where we often face our greatest challenges, hurdles, roadblocks, and detours.

All of us will face tests. It’s inevitable. But it’s how you respond to the tests that makes the difference.

Many of us witnessed Demar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills face a test on live TV in front of the world. After making a tackle on the field, Damar suddenly collapsed. Many people, including doctors, wondered if he would ever recover after being carted off. Then something extraordinary happened. Players and coaches began kneeling, lifting their fallen brother up to God. The crowd started praying. Announcers on TV broadcasts began praying for healing. Spectators around the world came together in unity, praying for a miracle. Over the next few days, as the world watched, we saw God do the miraculous. Demar came back to life. When Demar woke up, he asked, “Who won the game?” Doctor Timothy Pitts said, “You’ve won the game, Damar… the game of life.”

You see, for Demar, this injury was a roadblock. It wasn’t the end. God is still writing Damar’s story. Why? Because he kept running the race even in the face of incredible obstacles. He not only pushed through his near-death experience but, against all odds, returned and played for the Buffalo Bills. Because he pushed through the “middle,” God used his story to change the world.

The enemy wants you to stop short of receiving and enjoying everything God has for you. He will tempt you to give up by making the middle of your journey seem too long or too hard. God, on the other hand, wants the very best for you. Because of the purpose He has for you, God wants you to finish the race set before you.

2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “As you live in close contact with me, the light of my presence filters through you to bless others. Your weakness and woundedness are the openings through which the light of the knowledge of my glory shines forth. My strength and power show themselves most effective in your weakness” (AMP).

Determine to be faithful throughout each part of your story and enjoy your journey to victory. The best way out is always through. It’s not how you start that’s most important; it’s how you finish. You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.

Pray this: Dear God, with Your help, I will not give up. I will push through the middle and accomplish my dreams. I will run my race with perseverance and finish with joy. Amen (So be it).

Declare This: God sees my potential. He knows what I am capable of. I may feel weak, but God calls me strong. I may be intimidated, but God calls me confident. I may feel less than, but God calls me well-able. I will finish the race God has for my life and push through to victory!

Win for today: Find a friend you admire who you have noticed finishes well. Ask them to share their story and any advice they would give to you.

For more encouragement for special needs parents, visit www.championsfamilies.com