1Cor.9v24-27: Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore, I run thus, not with uncertainty. Thus I fight, not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

How do you finish on a strong note or finish well? This is the focus of this series of lessons that I will be sharing with you from today. The Great Apostle Paul from our text scripture in (1Corinthians 9v24-27) highlights very clearly his strategy for finishing well; you could see from this passage of scripture that he was comparing himself to an athlete or a boxer that runs or fights with a sense of purpose. At the back of his mind, he was focused on ending well or obtaining the price. That should also be your motivation when it comes to accomplishing your destiny or accomplishing your goals. You need to be focused on finishing well because if the Great Apostle Paul could do this, it’s possible for you to accomplish such. I would like to share with you some other translations of our passage especially verse 26 of 1 Corinthians 9:

• That is why I run straight for the finish line. That is why I behave like a boxer that does not waste punches -Good News Bible.
• I don’t know about you but I am running hard for the finish line. I am giving it everything I got. No sloppy living for me- The Message Bible.
• I don’t run without a goal and I don’t box by beating my feet in the air- Contemporary English Version.

You can see from the above translations that Apostle Paul was focused on finishing well because he had a strategy at the back of his mind; this is what you, too, need to put into consideration if you are going to finish your assignment your goals, your purpose well. By the way, what do we mean by finishing strong? It means to complete the race that is set for you at any good position or record time. To have a good overall performance or to arrive at your expected destination or target. It also means to come on top in the race that is set before you or to have an outstanding overall result. Finally, it means to win at the end of the day or to finish what you have started. So whatever your goals, purpose, aspirations and pursuits in life maybe, you need to endeavour to finish well or strongly. There is no abandonment in God’s project; that is why there will be no abandonment in the projects that are ongoing in your life. I believe very strongly that God will be putting into your hands the tools and resources that will enable you to finish well through this series of lessons. However, there are certain things you need to understand about finishing strong. These are important truths that will enable you to finish strongly. So what are these truths?

TRUTHS ABOUT FINISHING STRONG:

1. Finishing strong is not automatic. It won’t just happen like that; you need to be willing to apply yourself, your effort, determination, and even courage in order to finish well (Acts 2v37; Philip.3v14).

2. Not everyone finishes well. Some people start well but end up falling. The fact that you started is not an indication that you will finish. Whatever you are doing, there are lots of examples of people in the scriptures who did not accomplish their destiny. I pray for you today that you will never be a castaway (Matt.25v21, 23, 26).

3. God wants you to finish well. This is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. God himself is a finisher, so why won’t he want his children to finish well. By finishing well, you will be imitating your Heavenly Father. So make up your mind to finish well (Job 8v7; Zech.4v9).

4. It is possible to finish well. You can end in a strong position because of the numerous examples of those who have finished well. If they could achieve this, it is a testament to the fact that you too can do so, so don’t settle for less. I pray for you that you will not be a casualty in the name of Jesus (Jn.17v4).

5. The way you start your race will greatly affect how you will end it. This is why the scriptures also say what you sow will determine what you will reap. So starting can affect the finishing. Did you start well? Have you laid a solid foundation for your journey? I pray that you will not be put to shame (Ps.11v3).

Other Scriptural References: (Gal.6v7; 2Tim.4v6-7; Heb.12v2; Jn.4v34: 5v36: 6v66; 1ki.11v9; Eccl.3v14; Matt.10v22; Acts 20v24: 16v30).

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, help me not just to be a good starter but to also be a good finisher in the name of Jesus, amen.

CONFESSION: By the grace of God, I will finish well. I will accomplish my goals and I will arrive at my expected destination in life. I choose to be a finisher and not a quitter. I choose to be a finisher and not just a starter in the race of life and destiny. I will win by the grace of Jesus Christ. I will not be a castaway or a dropout. My eyes are on the goal and destination. In the name of Jesus, I will accomplish my colourful destiny and finish the race set before me.

Pastor Yemi Adeoti

Yemi Adeoti is a pastor, teacher, life coach and mentor & also a prolific writer.