Finishing

Finishing

MY QUESTION for GOD

What can inspire me to finish well?

A MOMENT with GOD

The years passed, and the Lord had given the people of Israel rest from all their enemies. Joshua, who was now very old, called together all the elders, leaders, judges, and officers of Israel. He said to them, “I am now a very old man. You have seen everything the Lord your God has done for you during my lifetime. The Lord your God has fought for you against your enemies. . . . So be very careful to follow everything Moses wrote in the Book of Instruction. Do not deviate from it, turning either to the right or to the left. . . . Cling tightly to the Lord your God as you have done until now.”

Joshua 23:1-3, 6-8

As the years take a toll on our bodies, it may be painful to realize we no longer possess the physical skills or energy we used to have. As old age settles upon us, the wrinkles, aches, and pains make us realize that our lives are nearing their final chapters. How sad when others dismiss older people, as though their earthly contributions are finished! Joshua, as an old man, demonstrated that older believers can be a powerful witness to the constant mercy and faithfulness of God. There are few things more powerful than the testimony of someone who has lived a long life of faithfulness to the Lord and still maintains the vibrant vision of an eternal God who keeps his promises. As you grow older in the faith, younger people who listen to your life story will be greatly impacted by God’s faithfulness to you through the decades. If you are still a young leader, find an older believer and ask him or her to tell you about God’s faithfulness in his or her life. Be prepared to hear some amazing stories! If you are already older, commit yourself to finishing well. When you demonstrate faithfulness to God to the end, the telling of your story will be a divine moment in the lives of those who hear it.

DIVINE PROMISE

I AM CERTAIN THAT GOD, WHO BEGAN THE GOOD WORK WITHIN YOU, WILL CONTINUE HIS WORK UNTIL IT IS FINALLY FINISHED ON THE DAY WHEN CHRIST JESUS RETURNS.

Philippians 1:6