I grew up in a large farm family, with mom and dad, seven boys and three girls. Our farm was a small one, tucked back in the thick piney woods in the northeast corner of Texas.  One particular year we saw Daniel Boone on our black & white TV, and got inspired to build a log cabin. With all those pine trees it should have been easy. We attacked a grove of pine saplings with our saws and axes and began to assemble the cabin. At about the one-foot height it occurred to us that we didn’t have a clue how to leave space for the door and windows and still keep the thing together. So, we abandoned it, went to a new spot and started another one, hoping to discover the secret to doors and windows as we went. Today, if the elements had spared the logs, you could see eight or ten unfinished log cabins in those woods, all without doors or windows!

Do you have trouble finishing what you start; in your family relationships, in your career, or in your service to the Lord? In my counseling, and while traveling to conferences around the country, I meet many people who are frustrated with their inability to accomplish what they consider to be significant things for themselves. Sometimes things don’t go as planned in several areas of our lives and it is difficult to keep motivated to do what is required to see it through to the conclusion. Does that sound like you? 

You’re not alone; everyone feels that challenge from time to time. I like this line from the poem, Don’t Quit (author unknown),  “So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit. It’s when things seem worse, that you must not quit.” The apostle Paul felt the same way. In 2 Timothy 4:7-8 he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

I pray that you won’t quit when things get tough, especially in your relationship with God! All relationships take a lot of WORK.  Our relationship with God is no different. Commit yourself to do the work of becoming more of what God wants you to be, and to finish what you start. 

Common Sense Application

1. If you have trouble finishing personal or professional projects, start by breaking the project into segments which can be completed one at a time. Set time deadlines for each, and force yourself to stick to the time allotted. Get a mentor or accountability partner who can encourage or chastise you as needed to ensure accomplishment of your goals.

2. If you have trouble in your commitments to God you need to set aside more time to spend in His Word and in prayer. Involve yourself deeper in the life of your church or Christian group, and seek another Christian you trust to help guide and encourage you. The Christian life is not easy, just worth it!