From Start to Finish

Hebrews 12:1–11 NIV

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

1. Define your why for your future

Therefore

Do you enjoy your current condition?

Determine to move into a new future

I am not the first one to go through difficult times

Others were victorious, so can I

With God with me, I can do all things

2. Define your who for your race

Who are you looking to?

We have an example in Jesus

Don’t waste your time with quitters

Surround yourself with people who are going somewhere

Don’t settle for the easy, the simple, the now

Reach for what is ahead

3. Define your when to keep moving

You have not yet resisted

You will encounter trials

When the trials come, keep moving

If you are going through hell, keep moving

When you feel like quitting, keep pushing

4. Define your what for your training

What are you willing to do to get fit for your dream?

Discipline is a must

Consistency will get you there

Persistence will keep you engaged

Encouragement will keep you going

Surround yourself with coaches and cheerleaders

Boxers have both

5. Define your where for your finish

Where do you want to go?

Lose weight? How much? Tithe? Give? Read the Bible? Where?

No pain, no gain

Pain lets you know you are still alive

You will produce a harvest

6. Define your how to go from start to finish

How will you start to ensure you finish?

Throw off everything that hinders you

Laziness

Excess

Overweight

Wrong crowds

Throw the sin that easily entangles

Don’t say you will quit smoking if you don’t smoke

Don’t say you will quit what you rarely or never do

What sin comes easy to you? Throw that one away

Run to finish

Don’t just start something — finish

Stay in the race

Run through the pain

Work through the pain

Get to church through the pain

Believe through the doubt

Give through the drought

Finish

The prize awaits you — Start to Finish