Being a Finisher

2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV

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 4:7-8 MSG . . . I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting - God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.

Do you consider yourself to be a focused person? Do you finish and complete the goals that you set out to do? If your answer is yes, congratulations because that is precious and awesome. 

God has work and and a plan for each of us that we are supposed to accomplish. I believe God wants all of us to take the opportunity to get to know him through things like his word, and prayer, and worship. 

I also believe that we are meant to take care of ourselves. I know it can get weary, but we need to do the things we all know we need to do. Sleep enough. Eat well. Exercise. Taking care of ourselves will help us to be able to be around nice and long so that we can accomplish the things God wants us to do and also feel better while doing it.

In addition, there are also things that are unique to each of us individually that we are supposed to do. There are people unique to our lives that we are meant to reach out to and be there for. God has a beautiful plan and a purpose for each of our lives.

Here are some things that may be getting in the way of you being a focused person that fulfills the amazing plan God has for you:

Mistake #1 - Letting yourself procrastinate and get distracted from the things you are supposed to do.  Things like getting in shape, getting together with friends that have been on our heart, starting that business we always dreamed about . . .  these things easily go on the back burner of life, don't they?Meanwhile, it is easy to distract ourselves with the plethora of entertainment these days. Whether it be Netflix, social media, games - pick your poison. Not that these things are wrong or sinful but it can be a sad, sad thing if we are letting these things distract us from fulfilling our goals and dreams.

Time can be so deceiving. Morning and night come so faithfully everyday and day by day. And it is easy to fool ourselves into thinking we have a never ending supply of time. But, the fact is, we are on this earth for a very limited amount of time. But we so rarely feel a sense of urgency for things that don't have a deadline. The psalmist makes a request of the Lord in Psalm 39 verse 4 "Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am." He goes on to say, "Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreath; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah."

The NLT says it this way "Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered -- how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath."

Truly, it is such a blessing and advantage in this life to realize that our time is so very limited.We need to take advantage of the life we have now.

Mistake #2 - Taking on too many projects. 

There are so many beautiful and amazing things to do, see, and experience, here on earth. It can be easy to take on too many projects. You may not call it a "project" per sé. But anything and everything you expect to do and experience takes time. And, once again, our time, not to mention our energy, is limited. 

Luke 14:28-30 NLT

But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, There's the person who started that building and couldn't afford to finish it!

Before you start to learn that new craft, start learning that new language, take that class, or sign your kids for yet another activity, account for that time that it is going to take. Your day is not going to expand to accommodate this new thing. Some thing will have to go. Is it worth it? It may or may not be. But, consider that the cost of your time is more valuable than your money. Sometimes, just making that realization can put the brakes on us rushing into something we don't have time for. Also, do take the time to take it to God and let him lead. Proverbs 3:5-6 says Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.

Mistake # 3 - Having trouble saying no to things others ask you to do. 

It can be hard saying not to others! I get it. We don't want to disappoint them. But, just as I said in "Mistake #2" your time is valuable and limited. We are accountable to God above our friends and we need to make sure that we are not letting social obligations or responsibilities crowd out the things we are actually supposed to be doing.

Mistake # 4 - Not knowing or caring about your purpose or having passion for it. Many people don't know what their purpose is. So, therefore, can't even get started on it. We each have things that we love to do or have are passionate about. But, if we have no idea what the purpose God has for us is, then we need to get with him. We need to get to know him through his word and realize he will not advise us to go against it. (God's will for you is not to become a world famous serial killer for example.)  

John 10:27 says My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. As you get to know him it will become easier to understand what his priorities are so that you can align with them in your life.

Again, Proverbs 3:6 says "he will direct our paths." He will do it. Are you asking? What he says he will do - he WILL do. Numbers 23:19 says God is not a man that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent." Try it out. Pray for an answer and start living your life for the purpose you were created for.