Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 1, 2018
So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Esther 7:10
Some people do not finish well, and others do. Why? It comes down to our choices. The choices you make today determine how you finish tomorrow. You can live in very difficult circumstances and make wise choices. There is a great probability you will finish well. You can live in the best conditions and make unwise choices. Chances are you will not finish well. So does it mean we will have no regrets when we finish well? No.
God is not looking for perfection, but He does desire passion for Himself and obedience to His Word. People who do not finish well decide to take control. They act like they have a better plan than God. This type of decision-making process will have limited success, if any, in the Lord’s eyes. How, then, does the Bible describe finishing well?
It is like a lifelong race—a marathon. Jesus is at the finish line, and as you run, an eternal entourage of people who have been faithful before you surround you. Your Savior and His saints are praying for you and encouraging you to finish well. This is His will. Do not lose heart or become proud of heart. Keep your focus on the ultimate destination—the prize of Christ’s commendation that awaits you. The Bible says:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1–3).
Along the race of life you will encounter difficulty. You will tire and need rest. You will have stretches of road that you run alone and feel like quitting. Other times the race will seem like an uphill battle with every muscle in your body screaming for attention. But thankfully, there are times of refreshment and rejuvenation. After you have run up a hill of hope, there is an opportunity to enjoy the righteous run down the other side. Indeed, some roads dead-end. You need to regroup and study the map (Scripture) of God’s will.
Thus, finishing well thrives in the presence of God. Intimacy with Him positions you to hear His voice and obey Him. You want to please the One you love. And you want to please those who love you. Accountability from others who love you most facilitates finishing well. Listen intently to those who have your best interest in mind, who are finishing well themselves. We need mentors to help us refocus on the right priorities.
Lastly, finishing well means you live like you are dying because we all are terminal. There is a sense of urgency to live our life today for Christ, since tomorrow may not come. We live best when we live as if today were our last day. Thus, finish well today for your heavenly Father, family, friends, and future saints. A life well spent makes your Savior smile and say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21 kjv).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, protect me from myself by Your Holy Spirit’s conviction and loving accountability from friends, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What does it mean for me to finish well? Am I finishing well today?
Related Reading
Proverbs 20:28; Isaiah 26:2; Acts 27:25; 2 Timothy 4:6–8
Taken from Seeking Daily the Heart of God v.2
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The choices we make today determine if we finish well tomorrow. #WisdomHunters #finishingwell
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