Have you ever started something with so much excitement, only to find yourself slowly losing motivation along the way?
Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution, a job, or even a personal spiritual goal, we all know how easy it is to start strong. But finishing well? That’s where the real challenge lies.
The Christian life is a journey—a long, winding, often difficult road. And while beginning this journey with Jesus is the most beautiful step we can take, it’s not the end goal. God calls us not only to start the race but to run it faithfully… and to finish it well.
A Life Lived to the Glory of God
The apostle Paul is one of the best examples of someone who finished well. Near the end of his life, he wrote these powerful words:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
— 1 Timothy 4:7, NKJV
The Greek verb tenses Paul uses for “have fought,” “have finished,” and “have kept” indicate a completed action with lasting results. Paul wasn’t bragging. He was giving glory to God for enabling him to complete the mission he was called to do. His life wasn’t perfect, but it was marked by endurance, faithfulness, and obedience.
That’s the kind of finish I want for my life. How about you?
When Starting Well Isn’t Enough
The Bible gives us sobering examples of people who started out strong but didn’t finish well.
- Lot compromised his convictions and ended up in a mess.
- Samson had incredible potential, but his lack of discipline led to tragedy.
- King Saul began with humility but ended with rebellion.
- Ahithophel was once a trusted advisor but died a bitter traitor.
- Demas served alongside Paul but abandoned him for the love of the world.
They each had a promising beginning, but poor choices, divided loyalties, or hardened hearts led them down a different path.
The truth is that a good beginning doesn’t guarantee a good ending.
As the psalmist prayed in Psalm 119:33, “Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will keep it to the end.” That desire to stay the course should be the heart cry of every believer.
So, how do we finish our journey well?
Let’s look at four essentials that help us live a life that pleases God to the very end.
1️⃣ Seek God’s Wisdom Daily
We can’t finish well if we’re trying to navigate life in our own strength or wisdom. Every day brings new challenges, and we need divine perspective to make godly choices.
James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God… and it will be given to him.”
It’s not enough to read the Bible just to check a box or win a debate. We must approach Scripture to know God better—His character, His ways, His purposes. In times of confusion or hardship, don’t ask, “How do I get out of this?” Instead, ask, “What can I learn from this?”
When you’re under pressure, remember: God may not change your situation right away—but He can change you through it.
2️⃣ Walk in Obedience
Wisdom leads to obedience. But obedience isn’t about legalism or trying to earn God’s favor. It’s about responding to God’s love with surrender and trust.
Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). True obedience flows from love.
We’re not called to obey like fearful slaves trying to avoid punishment, but as grateful children who want to honor our Father. As James 1:22 reminds us, it’s not the hearers of the Word who are blessed—it’s the doers.
God’s Word isn’t a burden. It’s a tool in the hands of the Holy Spirit to shape us into the likeness of Christ. Each act of obedience becomes another step forward in our journey toward finishing well.
3️⃣ Trust God’s Promises, Even in the Fire
Let’s be honest—life is hard. There are moments when the journey feels long, lonely, and even painful. But God’s promises are still true, even when our circumstances try to say otherwise.
Proverbs 3:5–6 is a lifeline in difficult seasons:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
Paul endured persecution, beatings, prison, and abandonment. Yet he never doubted God’s faithfulness. Why? Because he knew that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
When you find yourself in the furnace of affliction, remember: God controls the thermostat and the timer. He knows exactly how long and how hot. He’s not trying to destroy you—He’s refining you.
4️⃣ Live What You Believe
Talk is cheap, especially in today’s world. But a life that reflects Christ speaks volumes.
We must “walk the talk.” When we face spiritual battles or tough decisions, the Holy Spirit brings to mind truths we’ve hidden in our hearts (John 14:26). That’s why it’s vital to stay in the Word and live it out.
Our best witness is a life transformed by Jesus—one marked by love, humility, integrity, and compassion.
You don’t need a platform to make a difference. A quiet life of consistent faithfulness can encourage someone else to keep going. Your kindness, forgiveness, patience, and joy all point others to Christ.
Pressing On Toward the Finish Line
This world is not our home. We’re just passing through. As Paul wrote in Philippians 3:20, our citizenship is in heaven. We live by different values. We serve a different Master. And we run a different race than the world around us.
That’s why we must keep our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He not only began the good work in us—He will be faithful to complete it.
So don’t give up. Keep running. Stay in the Word. Lean on His promises. Love others well.
One day, we’ll stand before our Savior. And oh, how beautiful it will be to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
A Prayer for the Journey
Lord, thank You for calling me into this journey of faith. Help me not just to begin well, but to finish strong. When I’m weary, give me strength. When I’m confused, grant me wisdom. Keep me rooted in Your Word, obedient to Your voice, and trusting in Your promises. May my life bring You glory until the very end. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you.
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.