“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” John 17:4
I stopped doing New Year’s resolutions decades ago; living in a sinful world meant that their success was limited to my memory. Now…I just want to finish well.
Jesus did that; He was busy doing His Father’s work; emotionally and physically exhausting days spent healing the sick and driving out demons, confronting false teachers and teaching and correcting the disciples. He experienced disappointing relationships when people who initially said that they adored Him but later walked away. As True Man, he experienced every emotion and temptation we experience. I often wonder if He had a ‘bucket list’.
In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus tell each of us “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” He doesn’t say that our lives will be easy, without frustration and pain. The only way to ‘finish well’ is to follow His examples, remain in the Word daily and be in and surrounded in prayer throughout each day.
Today is the last day of this year and there is no better time than now to experience God's love with your whole heart, soul, mind and strength. Dedicate your life to Him; share your time, talents and treasures doing His work. If your heart moves you to feed the children in Trinity HOPE programs in Haiti then joyfully feed His children. If the Holy Spirit moves you to do His work in other areas of this world, then follow His direction with all of your energy. Whatever your direction may be, finish well and if your direction seems unclear…recall Psalm 46:10 "be still and know that I am God." Wait, listen for His direction, feel His nudging and finish well.
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay