Finish what you start

by | Jun 30, 2022 | Determination, God

Unfinished Business

Completion. How many times have I started something only to leave it unfinished? Baby books, photo albums, workout programs, diets (I usually bail around week 2 of a diet), etc.

One day, I’m going to finish them.

I can work cleaning one room of the house, leave it to take something to another room, just to get distracted and never make it back to complete the task I had originally started.

Not so for Solomon. The Lord gave Solomon the task to build a temple for Him. David wanted to build it, but God said he wasn’t the person to do it. God appointed Solomon.

“All this,” David said, “I have in writing from the hand of the Lord upon me, and he gave me the understanding in all the details of the plan.”

David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord, my God is with you. I Chronicles 28:19

These words ring true today as in the days of Solomon. I need to hear them because I don’t feel strong and courageous most of the time. But these verses remind us to stay strong, to have courage and to finish what we start.

They remind us that the Lord is with us. We can put our fear aside, along with the discouragement, and live with purpose. We can live with a determination to complete the work.

Complete the task

It took 20 years, but Solomon built the temple of the Lord and his own palace, as well as rebuilt many villages and cities in his kingdom. I’m sure there were difficult days, setbacks and maybe a few distractions, but Solomon completed the work.

All Solomon’s work was carried out, from the day the foundation of the temple of the Lord and was laid until its completion. So the temple of the Lord was finished. 2 Chronicles 8:16.

Others completed their work as well.

  • Noah finished the ark.
  • Moses got the Israelites to the promised land.
  • Jonah delivered his message to the Ninevites (although he learned a lesson along the way).
  • Ruth stayed with Naomi.
  • Paul finished his race.
  • John completed the task of writing the last chapters in the Bible.

Would you pray with me?

For months, I have written and re-written thoughts to include in a book I believe God has called me to write and share with others.

I hope that I am close to doing just that. At times, I have listened to my own negativity, tempted to quit. But I am committed to finishing the task, hoping to help someone else along their journey.

Would you pray with me in that? I would be grateful if you would walk alongside me until the work is complete.

Is there something you need to complete today? I pray that today is your day of completion too.

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Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man. Colossians 4:23

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