THE END IS BETTER THAN THE BEGINNING
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 50:20, 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: Job 42:12; Philippians 1:6; James 5:11
INTRODUCTION
Beginnings are often filled with excitement, vision, and expectation. However, they are usually accompanied by uncertainty, immaturity, and unseen challenges. The end, on the other hand, carries the beauty of completion, refinement, and fulfilled purpose.
Scripture reminds us that patience transforms promise into fulfillment. Joseph’s life began with dreams and rejection, but it ended with leadership, reconciliation, and preservation of nations. Job’s story opened with prosperity, passed through suffering, and concluded with restoration greater than before.
God specializes in glorious endings. When He is involved in the process, the conclusion will exceed the commencement.
1. THE BEGINNING CARRIES PROMISE, BUT THE END REVEALS FULFILMENT
Every beginning contains potential, but only the end reveals manifestation.
a) Dreams Announced Early (Genesis 37:5-7)
Joseph’s journey began with prophetic dreams that revealed destiny in seed form. However, the dreams alone were incomplete without the shaping process that followed.
b) Immaturity at the Start
Beginnings often lack the depth of character required to sustain greatness. Early stages expose areas that require growth and refinement.
c) Fulfilment Through Process (Philippians 1:6)
God, who begins a good work, remains faithful to complete it. The end reflects His commitment to perfection and completion.
d) Manifested Purpose
What starts as vision becomes visible reality at the end. The conclusion displays the evidence of divine faithfulness.
Biblical Example: David was anointed as a shepherd boy, but the fullness of kingship was realized years later after preparation and testing (1 Samuel 16; 2 Samuel 5:4).
2. THE PROCESS REFINES FOR A BETTER ENDING
The journey between beginning and end shapes capacity.
a) Trials That Mature (James 5:11)
Job endured intense suffering, yet his perseverance produced a testimony of endurance and restoration.
b) Character Development
Difficult seasons remove pride, impatience, and self-dependence, replacing them with humility and trust in God.
c) Lessons in Waiting (Ecclesiastes 7:8)
Patience is superior to pride because it allows God’s timing to unfold without interference.
d) Strength Through Testing
Adversity builds resilience that prepares individuals to sustain future blessings.
Biblical Example: Joseph’s imprisonment developed administrative skill and emotional maturity necessary for governance (Genesis 39–41).
3. GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY GUARANTEES A BETTER CONCLUSION
When God orchestrates a life, setbacks cannot cancel the final outcome.
a) Evil Redirected (Genesis 50:20)
What was intended for harm became a pathway to preservation and promotion.
b) Restoration Multiplied (Job 42:12)
The Lord blessed Job’s latter end more than his beginning, demonstrating divine restoration.
c) Redemption of Delay
Time spent in obscurity is not wasted; it contributes to a stronger finish.
d) Assurance of Completion
God’s purposes are not abandoned mid-process; He ensures completion according to His will.
Biblical Example: The resurrection of Jesus transformed the sorrow of crucifixion into eternal victory (Matthew 28:5-6).
4. PATIENCE POSITIONS YOU FOR A GLORIOUS END
A better ending requires endurance.
a) Resisting Discouragement
Early struggles should not define the final chapter.
b) Maintaining Faith in Transition
Trust sustains believers through uncertain phases.
c) Growing Through Each Stage
Every level contributes wisdom needed for the next.
d) Finishing Strong
The end becomes better when faith remains consistent until completion.
Biblical Example: Paul declared at the end of his life that he had fought a good fight and finished his course faithfully (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
CONCLUSION
The end is better than the beginning because it carries the beauty of completion, the strength of refinement, and the evidence of God’s faithfulness. Beginnings announce intention, but endings reveal accomplishment.
If the middle seems difficult, remember that God is still writing the story. Patience and perseverance ensure that the final chapter will surpass the first.
With God, the latter glory will exceed the former.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, give me patience to endure every process in Jesus name.
2. Lord, help me trust You from beginning to end in Jesus name.
3. Father, refine my character through every trial in Jesus name.
4. Lord, complete every good work You have started in me in Jesus name.
5. Father, turn every setback into preparation for a better ending in Jesus name.
6. Lord, strengthen me to finish strong in Jesus name.
7. Father, redeem lost time and restore what was delayed in Jesus name.
8. Lord, grant me perspective to see beyond temporary struggles in Jesus name.
9. Father, establish a glorious conclusion in my life in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let my latter end be greater than my beginning in Jesus name.
