“I have finished my course; I have kept the faith.“ 2 Timothy 4.7-8
“Somewhere between starting and finishing, character and discipline are demonstrated.”
My thoughts today are about doing “whatever it takes.”
Beginnings are exciting. Finishing is always satisfying. It is all the time and tears in between where the problem usually comes. But somewhere between starting and finishing is where character and discipline are demonstrated. That’s when a lot of people who started with the best of intention and promise quit – become distracted with other things, or start something else before finishing the first, or just give up.
I think “whatever it takes” is the attitude of a winner. Anyone can be a quitter. A good finish is what differentiates the winners from the losers. My Dad often advised me, “when you start something, don’t quit until it’s finished; never start anything you don’t plan to finish.” Jesus told of a man about to build and a king going to war. They first counted to cost to avoid their being unable to finish their task. See Luke 14:25-33 NIV. Jesus said that being His disciple requires the same.
I think six things are essential to finishing what you start:
(1) Purpose. Be clear about what you start and why you did so. Was it important then? Then it is still important now. To be clear now, you have to see the possible future.
(2) Passion. You have to believe strongly in the value of what you are doing. No one will continue to waste their time, energy, or resources on things that don’t really matter to them.
(3) Preparation. You should prepare for anything to be harder than you think, take longer than you plan, and require more than you expect.
(4) Patience. Only your commitment of “whatever it takes” will enable you to work as hard as you need and work as long as is required to conclude successfully.
(5) Perseverance. You must endure every difficulty and continue in spite of any discouragement you may feel in order to “finish your course with joy.” Acts 20:24.
(6) Promotion. You are recognized and rewarded only for what you finish, not what you start.
Jesus lived His life with a clear and single focus, to “to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 4:34. He calls you to do the same. Wouldn’t you count Jesus successful? Did He voice any reservations, or place any conditions, or claim for Himself any exemption? No, Jesus models the attitude of “whatever it takes.”
Here is Jesus’ testimony, “I have finished the work You gave Me to do.” John 17:4. On the Cross where He died for the sins of the whole world, Jesus declared, “It is finished!” John 19:30. Make no mistake. That is not the defeated cry of failure and resignation. That phrase is from a combination of Greek words translated, “I have finished, and it is the finest and best I can offer.” Jesus did whatever He needed to do for your complete salvation. Father God accepted His sacrifice, and you have been “sanctified through the offering of Jesus Christ once and for all.” Hebrews 10:10.
My prayer for you is that you will have the readiness and resource for whatever it takes.