Finishing well is a life focus of mine. We all begin the journey at varying points; some people appear to have a healthy head start, while others must climb up a long way before they can proceed. The question is, “How can we finish well no matter where we start from?”
This morning I was reading:
“You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?…
After beginning by means of the Spirit,
are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?”
Galatians 3: 1-3
This may seem a little harsh, but it hit the mark in me! I have been on an incredible faith journey lately. In the beginning the indescribable intervention of God’s hand carried me along the often bumpy road. Now, I find my heart and mind
sometimes questioning
then second-guessing
and for moments even doubting.
How can I so easily be set off course? No! I haven’t jumped the rails of faith or drifted from by beliefs. Yes! I am faithfully walking faithlessly. Let me explain! I have the faith to continue the journey without faltering; yet, I lack the faith of wholeheartedly surrender. As such, I’m robbed of the wonderful joy and boundless freedom that comes with real.
Set the Goal
Years ago on the farm (before GPS), I knew that to make a perfect cut down a field I would have to fix my eyes steadily on a “target” at the far side. If ever I looked around or back, my trajectory would be off course and quick readjustment would have to be made.
The same goes for my spiritual walk. To finish well requires that I set specific life goals. These are focal points to constantly be aiming toward – goals for my personal life, marriage, family, and ministry to name just a few.
An Audience of One
There are as many views as there are people; these view points will inevitably side track me.
“You can please some of the people some of the time,
all of the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time,
but you can never please all of the people all of the time.”
Abraham Lincoln
I will ultimately give an answer for my life to only One; the One who made me according to His perfect plan. The question will be, “Have I fulfilled all that God had in mind when He designed and gifted me?”
Loving Well
Loving well has been, beyond any other, my greatest life challenge! Jesus said,
“If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?
Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.”
Matthew 5:46
Even the most corrupt influences within society form strong allegiances with each other!
Am I able to fully love whoever God puts in my path? My answer is continually, “No.”
I don’t love the
abusers the same as the abused
the traffickers like the trafficked
the haters as those hated or
the judgmental in comparison to the judged!
The Saviour’s love for all kept him on the cross! His blood was shed for all equally! His love reaches the lowest level to raise the despairing to the highest heights!
Each of these areas requires a faith beyond my human comprehension. Faith is the only way I will be able to set and achieve my life goals, keeping my eyes steadily on the approval of Jesus and loving wholly.
To finish well no matter where we start from, is a continuous walk of faith – wholeheartedly, joyfully, completely relying on Jesus the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith.
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus,
the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross,
disregarding its shame.
Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
Hebrews 12:2____________
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Beautiful Maryann! My heart posture must remain as two open hands above me willing to receive, as without Him, I am empty and incapable of all things! Even my my faith cannot be contained or held onto as it only flows and never remains static. Holy Spirit, thank You for bringing Him to me with no effort from me!
Well said Perry! God continually brings me back to the beginning…saved by grace through faith and this not of ourselves…