Finish

“FINISH”

ECCLESIASTES 7:8-10

Now that Christmas is behind us, the real work begins: de-decorating. To me, this is the worst part of Christmas. Have you ever tried to out your Christmas tree back in its original box? It is impossible! Here is the easiest way to store your Christmas tree. (Picture) Every year I rush to take down the lights and hate myself next year because I just wadded them up in a ball to get the job done. Perhaps since de-decorating is a chore to me, I put it off as long as I can.

More than likely, you have projects around the house which have been left unfinished; I do. When Sherry reminds me, I just say, “I’m working on it.” It has been four years, but I am working on it! I am very careful and concise when I need to get the job done.

Before starting a new year, it would be wise to close out the old year first. If you want to make 2023 better than 2022, then spend time resolving any unfinished business which may hinder your joy in the Lord. Do not carry the baggage of yesterday into your tomorrow; allow the Lord to renew your strength so you can mount up with wings as eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint as you enter 2023. SCRIPTURE

The end of a thing is better than its beginning. I know some would like to say a proper translation is the end of a sermon is better than its beginning. While I am not sure that is sound translation, I would agree with the point. I have preached a few sermons in which I was glad to make it to the end.

The end of 2022 can be better than the beginning of 2023 if we leave the baggage behind.

SOOTHE YOUR REGRETS

Reflecting on 2022, perhaps you are mindful of opportunities you have missed, or mistakes you have made. Regrets sting. Some say, “How time flies! I wish I had this year over! I would love to fix this or that.”

Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not inquire wisely concerning this. (10) It is not wise to wish to go back in time. Would you really like to relive the storms of 2022? Maybe you have undergone some physical storms, would you really like to hear the doctor give you the bad news again? Perhaps your struggles were spiritual. The arrows Satan has slung at your faith this year are gone! They can never be used against you again! To be sure, he will sling more, but you have outlasted these. Would you really like to go back and struggle with those temptations again?

2022 is gone and you are wiser for having lived through it. James says, My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. (James 1:2) God has used the events of 2022, even your failures, to help you grow. The end of 2022 is better than its beginning; we truly would not like to go back and live it all over again. We are freed from our past.

CALM YOUR FEARS OF THE FUTURE

Some people look at the beginning and ask, will the end really be any better? Maybe you are afraid of what the storms of 2023 will bring. “Will I be able to bear up under it?” Remember, no matter how bad the beginning is, the end is always better.

If you wake up in the morning and the sun is behind the clouds, do not assume the sun will never shine again. It is like a girl who saw an eclipse of the sun. She asked her daddy, “Why did the sun go out?” That is understandable for a child, but an adult knows the sun will shine again.

If you are in a dark period of your life, do not despair, the sun will shine again. Take this verse as a prophecy to give you hope and dispel your fears. The end will be better than the beginning. God is still in charge. He promised Israel, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) God has a plan for you, even in this dark time.

Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, was falsely accused, and thrown in prison; it was his darkest moment. Yet, he could never have risen to his high position of power in Egypt had he not gone to prison. Like gold, we must be refined in the fire before we can truly shine. If you are in a dark moment and dreading the future, take heart; the end of a thing is better than its beginning.