Finishing The Year Strong Series

FINISHING THE YEAR STRONG

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ecclesiastes 7:8

Key Verse: “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8)

Supporting Texts: Philippians 3:13-14; Isaiah 40:31; 2 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 12:11; Psalm 92:13-14

Description: An exhortation to depend on divine strength, maintain spiritual focus, and end the year victoriously and purposefully.

INTRODUCTION

The strength with which a believer finishes a season often matters more than how it began. Many start the year with excitement and high expectations but lose momentum due to challenges, delays, or spiritual fatigue. God’s desire, however, is that His people do not stagger at the finish line but close the year with faith, gratitude, and testimony.

Scripture reveals that endings carry great spiritual weight. A strong finish reflects maturity, patience, and total reliance on God’s grace. Finishing well preserves dignity, protects destiny, and positions believers favourably for the next season.

This message is a divine call to rise above weariness, distractions, and discouragements, and to draw fresh strength from God in order to end the year standing, rejoicing, and fulfilled.

1. FINISHING STRONG REQUIRES SPIRITUAL ENDURANCE

Finishing strong is not accidental; it demands endurance empowered by God. Spiritual stamina is necessary to withstand pressures that intensify towards the end of a season.

a) PATIENCE SUSTAINS THE JOURNEY – Patience enables believers to remain steady until the end (Ecclesiastes 7:8). Endurance proves spiritual maturity.

b) ENDURANCE IS BUILT THROUGH TRIALS – Challenges refine faith and strengthen character (James 1:2-4). Trials are tools, not traps.

c) GOD RENEWS WEARY STRENGTH – Divine renewal overcomes exhaustion (Isaiah 40:31). Waiting on the Lord restores vigour.

d) FOCUS PREVENTS SPIRITUAL FATIGUE – Staying focused keeps the heart aligned with purpose (Hebrews 12:1-2). Distraction weakens endurance.

Biblical Example: Job endured intense trials yet finished with double restoration and honour (Job 42:10-12).

2. FINISHING STRONG DEMANDS LETTING GO OF DISTRACTIONS

Distractions drain strength and divide focus. A strong finish requires intentional separation from anything that competes with God’s purpose.

a) DISTRACTIONS STEAL MOMENTUM – Divided attention weakens progress (Luke 10:41-42). Focus preserves strength.

b) WRONG ASSOCIATIONS WEAKEN RESOLVE – Ungodly influences erode spiritual discipline (1 Corinthians 15:33). Company affects consistency.

c) LAYING ASIDE UNNECESSARY WEIGHTS – Excess burdens slow spiritual progress (Hebrews 12:1). Freedom enhances speed.

d) PRIORITISING WHAT MATTERS MOST – Kingdom priorities sustain clarity (Matthew 6:33). Right focus guarantees balance.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah refused distractions and completed the wall despite opposition (Nehemiah 6:3,15).

3. FINISHING STRONG IS POWERED BY DIVINE HELP

Human strength alone cannot sustain a victorious finish. Divine assistance ensures stability, wisdom, and success at the end.

a) GOD IS THE SOURCE OF TRUE STRENGTH – Strength flows from reliance on God (Psalm 28:7). Trust invites help.

b) GRACE CARRIES BELIEVERS THROUGH WEAKNESS – God’s grace compensates for human limitations (2 Corinthians 12:9). Grace sustains finishing power.

c) PRAYER SECURES DIVINE INTERVENTION – Prayer connects believers to supernatural help (Psalm 34:17). Prayer sustains victory.

d) THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS CONSISTENCY – The Spirit strengthens inner resolve (Romans 8:11). Spiritual power ensures endurance.

Biblical Example: Paul relied on God’s grace and finished his race faithfully (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

4. FINISHING STRONG POSITIONS YOU FOR A GREATER TOMORROW

How you end this year influences how you begin the next. A strong finish opens doors for future elevation and favour.

a) A GOOD ENDING ATTRACTS HONOUR – God rewards faithful completion (Proverbs 13:13). Honour follows obedience.

b) FINISHING WELL BUILDS SPIRITUAL CONFIDENCE – Success strengthens faith for the future (Psalm 92:13-14). Confidence fuels continuity.

c) RIGHT ENDINGS PREPARE RIGHT BEGINNINGS – Orderly endings birth orderly beginnings (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Seasons respond to alignment.

d) TESTIMONY EMERGES FROM CONSISTENCY – God’s faithfulness becomes evident at the end (Romans 8:28). Consistency reveals glory.

Biblical Example: Caleb finished strong and inherited his promised portion at old age (Joshua 14:10-14).

CONCLUSION

God’s desire is that you do not collapse at the end of the year but stand strong, grateful, and fulfilled. Regardless of challenges faced, divine strength is available to all who depend fully on Him. Finishing strong is a decision backed by faith and obedience.

As you lean on God’s grace, reject distractions, and maintain spiritual focus, this year shall not end in regret for you. You will close it with strength, joy, and testimonies that glorify God and prepare you for a greater tomorrow.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, strengthen me to finish this year strong by Your grace.

2. Lord, renew my strength where I have become weary.

3. I receive grace to overcome every end-of-year distraction.

4. Father, help me to remain spiritually focused until the end.

5. I declare that discouragement shall not overcome me.

6. Lord, empower me by the Holy Spirit to remain consistent.