Finishing Well, Strong and with Joy

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The world is full of starters; only a few finishes what they start, let alone finish well, strong and with joy.

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6‭-‬8 KJV)

There is one man whose words at the end of his life have been quoted in the text. He did not just finish well but he also finished strong and with Joy. As our Lord Jesus Christ, he finished his course and ministry. If you really want to finish your course and ministry well and with joy, then we must study his life.

How was he able to run his race and finish his course and ministry with joy? How can you run and finish your course and ministry with joy?

Make up your mind to run and finish, by the way, the truth, and the life:

Acts 20:24, Apostle Paul was determined in his mind. He was decided that come hell or high water, he will run his race and finish his course and ministry. You will run and finish your course and ministry with joy when you make up your mind. Many die in the valley of decision. Do not tarry too long in the valley of decision.

Know the way, the truth, and the life:

It is impossible to run and finish a full marathon course when you don’t know the way, the truth or have the life or energy to run. That is why in Philippians 3:10, Apostle Paul talks about the fact that he counted all things that were useful to him nothing but dung, that he might know Him. His focus was to know Christ, who according to John 14:6 is the way, the truth, and the life. Indeed no man arrives with the Father, except by Him.

Live, by the way, the truth, and the life:

Whoever strives for mastery must strive lawfully. We must do the word. The word must guide our choices and decisions. John 1:1-14 teaches us that Jesus is the word that was made flesh. The scriptures tell us that a wise man is one who hears the word and does it. He is like a man who builds his house upon the rock. (Matthew 7:24-28)

Be anxious for nothing, be thankful and enjoy every step of the journey:

Philippians 4:6 teaches us to be anxious for nothing. In all things by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving; let your request be made known unto God.