Finish Strong

Remember all those New Year's resolutions we made at the beginning of the year -- the ones we broke by about the third week of January? The end of the year is a good time to look back and see where we've been and where we're going.

It doesn't matter that we may have gotten off track during the year. It only matters that we finish strong. That's true not only about the year. It's true about all of life. No matter how many times we mess up, if we turn back to God, He WILL give us a fresh start. And He will help us persevere so we can finish strong.

Finishing strong is a theme throughout the Bible. It's a lesson we must learn if we are to "run the race with endurance." The Bible compares the Christian life to that of a runner. A runner has to pace himself in a long-distance race, and a Christian must pace himself when trouble comes so he'll be able to finish the race strong.

The apostle Paul is an example of someone who finished strong. At the end of his life when he was in prison for preaching the Gospel, Paul wrote to Timothy, encouraging him to "keep his head in all situations, endure hardship and do the work of the ministry."

Paul never gave up. He persevered. He pressed on despite the hardships he faced throughout his Christian life. By his determination, Paul not only overcame the obstacles but he thrived in the middle of his problems.

I want to be like Paul. The key is not giving up but to persevere. We will face problems in this life, and we may get off track. But the great thing about God is that He is willing to take us back and give us a new start.

Wherever you are in life, God will take you as you are. He will begin to change you from the inside out. So start wherever you are and run to God. Then, just keep running your race. Don't look back and don't quit. If you fall, get back up and keep running. Then, you will be able to finish strong and receive the prize of eternity in heaven.

As this year ends and a new one is about to begin, get ready to run your race like never before. You will win if you run and do not give up. Ready . . . Set . . . GO!!