FINISHING STRONG
'Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 3:12-14 NKJV).
Jamaican star Usain Bolt was the fastest man on earth, at least till the 2016 Rio Olympic games when he ran the 100 meters sprint in 9.58 seconds. Some call him 'lightning bolt'. At 32 years of age he was already worth $24 billion according to the Forbes Index. Many know him as a sprint star alone, but he is also a footballer, dancer, coach etc. When asked the secret of his success he made these statements among others: "Those seven guys behind you in that track want it much as you want it. So you have to want it more. This is why you train harder." And another statement by him: "It doesn't matter where you start, as long as you finish strong. There are better starters than me but I am a strong finisher."
Many of us make lofty new year resolutions at the beginning and strive hard for the first few months to accomplish, succeed and excel, but when the results appear not forthcoming we slow down and some even ultimately stop. This shows we need more strength to finish than we started. Other iconic sports stars like Novak Djokovic in tennis, Christian Ronaldo in football and Simone Biles the top female gymnast of Paris 2024 Olympics fame, help us to achieve these goals with their lifestyles of passion, resilience and determination. They teach that anyone could be gold medal winners with passion, commitment and persistence.
However, when it comes to the things of God, mere human strength will fail us. Only the Spirit of God knows the things of God, and gives grace for accomplishment. (1Cor.2:11). The Message Bible version of our opening scripture states this more clearly: 'Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus.v I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.' Here Apostle Paul redirects our focus to the source of his own strength in his accomplished ministry. He had not gone thus far by his own strength, and does not intend to carry on by himself to the goal God has set for him. He would finish strong only by the strength of his Lord!
The success story of Joseph in the Bible comes to mind here. Joseph had a dream of becoming great but was cast into the pit, sold into slavery by his brothers, then cast into prison, no thanks to his master Portiphar's wife. Yet he never gave up the dream of greatness but relentlessly pursued the dream God had given him until he became prime minister in Egypt and his people came bowing down to him.
Apostle Paul's mission given him by his Lord was to preach the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles everywhere, ultimately in Rome (Acts 26: 15-18). Through much sufferings, trials, tribulations and persecutions, Paul attained the goal his Lord set for him physically; but rather than resting on his oars, he declared, 'Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. (Phil. 3:12).
Let's conclude by reading verses 15 and 16 of the Message version of our opening scripture.: 'So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.'
To keep strong and finish strong as this year progresses, stay on track with the Holy Spirit.
_Links to my EBooks:_
📕Books profile:
>MIRIAM - From grass to grace
>ONE THOUSAND CHORUSES - Singing worship better
>DEEPER WORSHIP - In Spirit and in truth
>RENEWED BLOOD - Journey to Sickle Cell healing.
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