The Christian journey is not just about having a great start. Rather, it’s more about finishing it well.
Unfortunately, many followers of Jesus who started on a high note failed to sustain their momentum. Either they gave up along the way or turned 360 degrees and went back to where they used to be.
When Paul came to the end of his life, he “ended well,” to the glory of God.
Bible Verse: 1 Timothy 4:7, NKJV
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
The form of the 3 Greek verbs “have fought, have finished, and have kept,” indicates completed action with continuing results. Paul saw his life as complete – he accomplished through the Lord’s power all that God called him to do.
Ending Well
A good beginning ought to lead to a good ending, but that is not always the case. Lot, Samson, King Saul, Ahithophel, and Demas all made good beginnings, but their lives ended in tragedy.
The psalmist wanted to end well (Psalm 119:33), but ending well is the consequence of living well.
So, what are the essentials for a consistent life that ends well?
1. Seek God’s Wisdom
We must pray for godly wisdom and spiritual enlightenment so we may learn God’s Word and the way of His Word.
It is not enough to read the Bible, outline the book, get answers to questions, and be able to discuss theology. We must come to understand the character of God and the workings of His providence.
The writer needed the wisdom to know how to handle difficult situations and he found counsel in God’s Word (Psalm 119:24). Instead of listening to the enemy’s slander, he meditated on God’s truth.
Don’t ask, “How can I get out of this trouble?” Instead, we should ask, “What can I get out of this experience?” In times of difficulty and suffering, we must seek God’s wisdom.
When we find ourselves pressured by the enemy, we should not pray for God to change our situation. Instead, our best response would be that God would change us and enable us to overcome.
2. Obedience to God
What we learn with our mind and apprehend with our heart must motivate the will to do what God commands. But our obedience cannot be that of a slave obeying a master to avoid discipline. It must be the obedience of a grateful child who delights to please his or her parents.
We all want God’s blessings. However, we must understand that blessings come, not in hearing the Word but in doing it (James 1:22-25). We must also have a wholehearted relationship with Him.
God’s Law is not a weapon in the hands of an angry judge but a toll in the hands of a loving Father. The Holy Spirit uses this “tool” to make us more like our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Trust in God’s Promises
It can be hard to trust God when we are in a very impossible situation. But Proverbs 3:5-6 is a promise that God’s people relied on and it never failed them.
Despite everything that Paul had to go through, he trusted the Lord. He never questioned God for the persecution he suffered. It’s because he was confident that God will finish the work He started in him (Philippians 1:6).
So, rest on God’s promises and rely on His love. When our heavenly Father allows us to go into the furnace of affliction, know that He is always in control. God keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat. He knows how long and how much.
4. Walk the Talk
When we are confronted by the enemy, the Lord will not give us words we have never pondered from the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit will remind us of what we have read and learned (John 14:25-26).
But our “walk” must also agree with our “talk.” The best defense of the faith is a transformed life that is compassionate toward others. Our obedience to the Lord and our loving ministry to others will demonstrate the reality of our faith.
Concluding Words
We serve a different Master, obey a different set of laws, and have our citizenship in a different country (Philippians 3:20. Thus, we are different from the lost people whom Jesus called the “children of this world” (Luke 16:8).
Let us then continue to run the race that God marked out for us and seek God’s Word. Be a blessing to others and a delight to our Lord.
It’s not enough to begin the journey right; we must strive to finish it in victory.
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Recommended Resource:
The Race Before Us: A Journey of Running and Faith by Bruce H. Matson
Turning 50 years old and facing some of life’s biggest questions are daunting challenges. A crisis of faith and crisis of health leads to significant changes in one’s life.
For Bruce Matson, a family man with a successful law practice, the struggles of health and doubt led to action.
Combining podcasts from notable Christian leaders Ravi Zacharias, Allistair Begg, and Tim Keller, careful research and preparation, and encouragement from family and friends, Bruce ran his race for physical and spiritual health.
The Race Before Us by Bruce Matson is a wonderful memoir detailing the path of doubt to faith and spiritual malaise to running with God.
Come alongside Bruce as he navigates the windy roads of faith and health in his pursuit of physical and spiritual well-being.