Most of us are good at starting things, but how good are you at finishing? As we continue along our journey to transformed lives it is so important that we avoid distractions and simply refuse to get weary. We are often tempted to give up or give in and quit along the way to our rightful place in God. We started this journey with energy and enthusiasm. For some, the energy has increased and their engines are running at full capacity. Yet, for others there is a sense of apathy and disconnect that causes that "giving up" kind of feeling. All of this reading and meeting and praying and stuff is causing some of us to get tired! Are you one of those who feel this way?
Anything worth doing is worth the time and effort that it takes to get it done! I think transformation is worth it. How about you? There is a story in the Bible found in Luke 14:28-29 where Jesus talks of one who begins building a tower without first counting the cost. The result is that the tower is left incomplete with other passing by, looking and laughing because someone started something that they did not possess the capacity to complete. Wow! What an indictment. Jesus challenges us to not only be good at starting things, but to be sure that we are finishers as well.
It's just a few more days to go for us to finish this campaign. I trust that you are one of those who started with us and will also finish with us. Far too many of us have a trail of incomplete projects or commitments that we have left behind us. Even promises we have made to ourselves are still incomplete. Diets, exercises, books, even the closet we started to clean weeks ago is still left incomplete. The question is not "can you start?" the question is "can you finish?" Better yet, can you finish well?
Those who win races or other athletic contests and walk away with trophies are those who finish. No matter how strong we start, the trophy goes to finishers! It is my prayer that we will remain strong and not be tricked into stopping before we reach the finish line. In order for us to get all out of this experience that God has for us, we must finish. It is the finishers who will be able to celebrate the power of God to transform lives. The finishers will be able to take their rightful place in God. It is the finishers who will be able to look back on their journey and see where God has brought them from.
Luke 14:28-29 highlights the embarrassment in starting but not finishing. It takes commitment to finish. It takes courage, faith and the help of the Holy Spirit to finish. If you are struggling to get it done, if temptations are all around you giving you every reason to quit, I challenge you to pray even harder and stay focused. We are called of God to be finishers! Jesus is a finisher and He is with us in our seasons of challenge to help us finish too. -Pastor Branch
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You are so right Pastor. Many times we as Christians start the walk of faith and in the middle of the journey we get tired, weak, or weary. This is where strong beleivers and the family of faith comes in. whether its cleaning out the closet or committing to paying our tithes faithfully we all need to continually lift each other up and keep encouraging each other. At one point I feel behind in my readings and it took my group members to get me back on t rack. I know that in order for me to be transformed, the simpelest task such as finishing is where I need to start. TNH let us encourage those who have started on this journey to keep the faith and finish. Let us finish this race together, hand in hand so that no one is left behind.
Much love and blessings
In todays times we are such a busy people. Between work, school, Church, your kids activities and more it is so easy to start a task and not finish it. When we first started the transformation journey I can honestly say I thought, "how can I add group meetings and nightly reading to my already packed schedule. I think the key is to find what works for you. I know from experience its easier said then done. But, I also know that trying to do what works for others does not work for me. So, I have set some goals for myself based upon my schedule. I still have struggles. But, it gives me a realistic path toward completing the task.
I can relate to what everyone is saying. I began reading my book faithfully but within the next couple of weeks I was battling ailments back to back. Fear,anxiety, and doubt crept in and I began missing my small group meetings and bible study. My desire for transforming became secondary. Praise be to God that I am finally back on track. I know i have received my breakthrough.I will not let the devil keep me from being who God has called me to be.Continue to pray that I grow stronger in the Lord.
Thank you Pastor Branch for this encouraging word. This is my first time participating in the Lenten season and my second time reading a selection with the church. Soon as I decided to take on this feat it seems as if I have been hit with temptations left and right. At first I became slightly discouraged but I realized that the only reason I am being tested even more is because the devil must see my blessing at the end of this journey. I refuse to let him stop me from grasping the blessing that God has for me at the end of this race so I stay encouraged and I am staying on track despite classes, work, family, financial struggles and whatever may come. I encourage others to stay strong as well and stay in constant prayer mode so that you continue to press forward and live in victory.
Hold on, change is coming.
Sam I am
The small groups was a great idea because it helped to make people accountable, or at least it should have. Having a daily devotion was missing from my life. I hope that after the small group meetings end, that I can remain accountable to God and continue to read daily. Our group was 100% in attendance last week and we have one more meeting. I pray that we "Finish Well" and that we continue on the journey to a "Transformed Life." God has so many things for us. If we would just ask for our "mountains" and stop thinking so small. We need to think big so that we can do big things for God's Kingdom.
Thanks Pastor, for those powerful and thought provoking messages on Sunday.
I'm guilty..pray my strength!
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