More Than Able - Week 9: Finishing Strong

Ever heard the saying, "It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish"? That phrase holds true in the stories of Gideon and Beth DeCiantis.

Gideon brought forty years of peace after defeating Midian. However, the choices he made towards the end of his life led to spiritual decay. Although the regression of faith wasn't immediate, after his passing, the Israelites completely abandoned their faith, forgetting the Lord and the victory God had brought over the Midianites. They turned away from decades of peace, disregarding the memory of His faithfulness.

It's a stark reminder to us today: the choices we make in our faith journey don’t just impact us; they influence generations to come. Our compromises could easily become the convictions of the next generation. Our spiritual journey isn't a sprint; it's a marathon of faithfulness. Fred Craddock's analogy captures it perfectly: we're not laying down a thousand-dollar bill for the Lord; it’s the daily quarters of love, support, and compassion that build our lives in Christ.

The little acts of kindness and consistent love showcase the treasure in our hearts. It's about enduring and persevering through challenges while avoiding the pitfalls of sin. The letter to the church in Ephesus in the book of Revelation issues a sobering reminder: endurance isn’t just about enduring life's pains to reach heaven; it's about maintaining the fervor and love we had at the start with Jesus. A passionate beginning requires a sustained fire, not just fleeting sparks. Let’s be encouraged not to lose heart, understanding that our struggles are part of a greater narrative of faithfulness.

The writings attributed to Judges share a cautionary tale - after a generation passed, there arose those who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember His mighty deeds. It's a stark reminder to keep passing on the faith and to walk humbly, surrendering completely to Jesus, never letting the fire of faith dwindle.

Let’s remember that our lives testify to something greater than ourselves. Our faithfulness should point to the source of our strength, the One who empowers us to endure and finish strong. Here's to running the race with perseverance, investing those daily quarters of love and kindness, and keeping the fire of faith burning brightly.

Let's pray for the strength to endure, to remain steadfast, and to finish the race strong, always looking to Jesus as our ultimate example of faithfulness.

P.S. Remember, it's not just about starting well; it's about finishing strong!