FINISH BIG, FINISH STRONG – JUST FINISH!

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By Deb DeArmond

 

Yesterday was a big day. A large box arrived at my door filled with copies of my soon-to-be published book. Related By Chance, Family By Choice, which will be released on November 1, is about transforming the relationship between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law. It has occupied much of my time, my heart, and my life the last year.

Holding the finished book in my hand was a moment. It was evidence of a vision come to life. It was also evidence of God’s push, pull, and promise that this had not been my idea, but His—and that He would make possible the fulfillment of the call He placed in my life.

Seriously, at 50+, spending copious amounts of time behind the computer has not been easy. It’s frustrated my family at times, kept me from leisurely evenings, and caused me to realize my office chair had insufficient padding for such a marathon. There were evenings I was tired after a full schedule on my “day job” and yet the deadline beckoned.

But mostly, I loved it. Almost every moment was time spent with the Lord, feeling His direction, challenging me, teaching me, and cheering me on toward the finish line.

I recently listened to a powerful podcast by James McDonald. He is a gifted speaker, a Chicago pastor. Anointed and Spirit led. I often start the day with Pastor McDonald.

In his recent series, Crossing the Finish Line, he tells us about Paul’s final days. The mighty apostle has crossed the continents to proclaim the gospel, but now finds himself imprisoned in Rome. He is suffering and though he neither despairs, nor does he waiver in his allegiance to Christ, his humanity is evident.

We learn in 2 Timothy: 4 that he is facing obstacles, yet is determined to finish strong. MacDonald identifies four challenges to that determination.

•  Loneliness. In verses 9-12, Paul asks for Timothy to come, and to come soon. He chronicles the abandonment of his companions. He does not want to die alone and although Luke is with him, Paul yearns for Timothy, who’s been like a son. Paul even includes Mark in the invitation, whom he had cast aside as not fit for ministry, but now recognizes value in his companionship. Paul had wandered far from home in his quest to share the gospel. It might have been easier to elect “local ministry” instead when God’s vision was so much greater. It can get lonely out there in the midst of where God calls you. Loneliness can be an obstacle to perseverance.

• Discomfort. Floods, shipwrecks, floggings, prison. Paul endured them all, yet at this moment, in verse 13 he asks Timothy to bring his coat, his books and his papers. He left them all behind to run the race, but now he craves the comfort of the familiar. We are creatures of comfort. It’s not easy to select otherwise, even though we know that God is historically famous for taking us out of our comfort zone so that we are required to rely on His power, not our own. Discomfort can become an obstacle to finishing strong.

• Conflict. In 2 Tim 4:14 Paul warns Timothy of a man to avoid – if possible – as he makes his way to Paul. He is described as one who has opposed Paul and fought against his teaching numerous times. He feels strongly enough about the conflict that he warns Timothy. Conflict will be a companion anytime you choose obedience to the call Christ places in your life. It may send you running in the opposite direction—away from the finishing line, which is the strategy of the enemy. Conflict can barricade your path on the race.

• Rejection. Paul goes on to tell Timothy of his rejection. “The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them,” (2 Tim 4:16) NLT. No one stood with Paul. Those he might have expected to support him rejected him. You, too, may be surprised by who leaves your side, creating an obstacle as you head toward the finish line.

The obstacles that can attend life in Christ plagued even the apostle who authored more than half of the New Testament. What does that say for you and me?

When I opened the box of books, I was taken aback at my reaction. Thrilled, yes. But so humbled. Instead of jumping for joy, I felt like bowing before Him. He did this. All I did was show up, ready to learn, training hard, and prepared for the long haul. I brought a commitment to the calling and a deliberate dose of daily discipline. That’s it. He did the rest.

What’s the obstacle that tempts you to slow down today? To let up and let someone younger, faster, or more fit (in your eyes!) take the responsibility for finishing the race. He’s there, cheering you on.

Finish big, finish strong – finish!