STRONG FAITH FOR A STRONG FINISH

All of us have had the experience of starting something with our full measure of energy and focus only to see that focus and that energy dissipate with time. There are a number of reasons why that happens but more often than not, our inability to finish strong is the result of one of two things; We can get distracted by early success and relax OR unanticipated difficulties arise that we do not make the necessary adjustments to in order to continue to move forward and we get frustrated and quit.

As we prepare to enter into a new day, neither of the aforementioned possibilities that would prevent you from experiencing a strong finish are an option today. I have a very strong impression from the Holy Spirit that there are some opportunities before us that must be capitalized upon now that are not "coming around" again. When you have a divine understanding of the significance of time, you begin to assign purpose to time in a way that you did not before you understood that purpose operates according to a very precise schedule.

Luke 9:62 - "And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

Usain Bolt, the World-famous Jamaican sprinter, dazzled the 91,000 spectators in China's Bird's Nest Stadium in the Summer Olympics of 2008 to win his country's first gold in the 100-meter dash in a record time of 9.69 seconds. Video replays of the historic moment show Bolt slowing down and waving his arms in celebration before the finish line on his world-record 100 meters. Look at this he is running world record time, and he slows down to slap his chest and celebrate before crossing the finish line in the 100-meter race.

Dr. Hans Eriksen and other scientist at the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics at the University of Oslo analyzed Bolt's position, acceleration and velocity in comparison with the second-place finisher, and figured that Bolt could have clocked 9.55 if he had not slowed down to celebrate.

I want to exhort you against pre-mature celebration. We've come a long way in this process of perfection, physically, mentally, spiritually, financially...... but don't relax now. Don't relax in your prayers; don't relax in your fasting; don't relax in your sanctification. Don't relax in your giving. Don't relax in your worship and praise. FINISH STRONG!

Matthew 24:13 - "But he that shall endure unto THE END the same shall be saved."

So many victories are won in the fourth quarter by maintaining the focus to finish strong. Whether it is building a relationship, exercise, dieting or closing out an important project, we have to run hard to the finish line.

Employ these four tips to help you finish strong.

Finish where you started. (Hebrews 12:1)
Encourage yourself and then encourage others. (1 Samuel 30:6 / Luke 22:32)
Get your second wind. (Isaiah 40:29-31)
Eliminate all distractions. (Isaiah 50:7)

Renew your strength. Recapture your focus. Re-activate your praise. Release your faith. Receive your promise, and finish strong!Type your paragraph here.