Jesus: The Author and Strong Finisher

There are good starters but weak finishers. There are good starters who never finish. And there are starters who also become strong finishers. 

We don’t judge anyone by how they start, because though your beginning may be small or even slow, your end will greatly increase. Sometimes those who start slowly become the strongest finishers, and that’s what truly counts.

Again, there are things you’re glad you never finished after reevaluating their true value, and there are others you lost interest in or grew weary of, even though they mattered. But I’m speaking of the things you know you must finish, even when everything seems to fight against your progress. You will finish strong.

As you say “Amen” to that, also speak truth to yourself, for only the truth sets you free. What kind of finisher are you right now, and what steps will you take to finish strong?

Jesus: The Strong Finisher

Jesus demonstrated, more than anyone, the common denominator of true success. He did what no other man has ever done! He endured the cross, despised the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Therefore, we can look to Him as the author and strong finisher of our faith. He was not just any kind of finisher. He is a strong finisher!

Despise the Shame!

If you ever begin something worthwhile and finish it successfully, you will learn how to handle shame, the shame of not being enough, the shame of “what if I don’t make it,” the shame of “what will they say.” Shame did not stop Jesus, and it will not stop us. We can only despise it and set our faces like flint.

Shame has stopped more people from reaching their full potential and taking the necessary steps than a lack of resources or talent ever has. It stirs up fear of judgment and discourages individuals from moving forward toward their goals.

Shame will never fully disappear, but we can learn Christ’s secret for overcoming it: He despised it. And beyond that, we must endure. There is something to endure, but thank God Christ’s yoke is easy and His burden is light. He has already done the heavy lifting so that we can finish strong.

God does not raise weak or defeated finishers. He has given us an example to follow. And because of that, you will finish strong!