The Power to Finish

The Power to Finish
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At both the opening and closing of the book of Revelation, Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 1:8, 21:6). In Hebrews 12:2, Jesus is called the “…author and finisher of our faith…”

Jesus never starts something He cannot finish. Neither does He start something He will not finish. Jesus is not a quitter. He told His disciples early in His ministry, “My meat (mission in life) is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34). At the end of His ministry, Jesus could gladly tell His Father, “I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4).

We sometimes think Jesus didn’t face the same difficulties and discouragements we do, but this simply isn’t true. Jesus had many opportunities to quit, but He chose not to (Matthew 26:39). The Holy Spirit was not given to Jesus to shield Him from temptations but to empower Him to fulfill the will of God, to finish what He began. All Jesus had to do was make up His mind not to give up, and the Holy Spirit empowered Him to complete God’s plan.

The Same Holy Spirit

Romans 8:11 tells us the same Holy Spirit who lived in Jesus lives in us. We are also tempted at times to give up, but the same Holy Spirit who empowered Jesus is urging us to say “no” to temptations and “yes” to finishing our course. Once we make up our minds not to give up, the Holy Spirit energizes us to help us finish our task.

In Philippians 1:6, Paul assures us the Holy Spirit will see us through:

Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

God won’t give up. He is a faithful God – and wants to develop that same faithfulness in each of us. The anointing alone is not enough. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not enough. Just scripture is not enough.

The Holy Spirit empowers character. We must have the character to decide to see our ministry through to the end. Then the Holy Spirit will kick in with His anointing and gifts. The power in the Word of God will come through for us when we decide to see things through to completion.

A Commitment to Excellence

I have made a promise to God and my partners to teach the Word of God by radio. The Precepts radio broadcast will be here for many years to come. I will not back off what I have pledged to do. The anointing remains because I will not give up. I am committed to excellence in teaching and broadcasting.

I am convinced this is the reason why the broadcast is doing so well and phone calls and letters continue to increase. Christians are learning more of the Word of God and needs are being met. The goal of the broadcast is not only to see people saved, but also to disciple a multitude of Christians who are not being fed in their local churches. This goal is being met every day.

How About You?

Many have made a commitment to be a partner with me in spreading the Word of God. Like Paul, I am so grateful:

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you… For your fellowship (partnership) in the gospel from the first day until now .

Philippians 1:3,5

And just as Paul commended his partners for remaining faithful until that very day, I commend you for remaining true from the inception of the radio broadcast until this very day.

But some who have made a commitment to the Precepts radio broadcast have let that commitment slip. I urge you to continue to stand with me. You are valuable to the Lord – and to me. I cherish your prayers and every dollar of your support. This is a team effort, not a one-man ministry.

Moses was tempted to give up but did not (Numbers 11:11-15). Job was also tempted to give up (Job 7:15). Paul was tempted to give up but did not. He continued to “press for the mark” (Philippians 3:14). Elijah was tempted to give up and did! Elisha was then called by God to finish the ministry Elijah had begun. But God’s best was for Elijah to complete his own calling.

God could get someone else to stand in your place with this ministry, but He would rather not. His best is for you to strengthen yourself and make up your mind to see through what you have committed to. When you do, the power of the Holy Spirit will be there to complete what He has begun, so you can one day say with Paul. “…I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

Bob Yandian