Theme: Finish 2024 Strong

Verse: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7)

The 2006 St. Louis Cardinals were one of the most unlikely World Series champions. They endured a bumpy ride that included a 31-16 start, then two 8-game losing streaks and a losing record in the months of June, August, and September. Despite that, they found themselves qualified for the playoffs with an 83-78 record.

When it counted (playoff time), the Cardinals were ready. They were underdogs against the Padres, Mets, and Tigers, but won all three series to be crowned the champions!

Finishing Strong is what champions do! There are plenty of examples in the Bible! Paul started as a persecutor of Christ followers but finished as probably the quintessential Christian leader of his time. David and Peter were much like the 2006 Cardinals. Each started strong, stumbled along the way, but recovered to finish well.

So how can you FINISH WELL?

Self-Talk: Our words are very powerful. How we speak to ourselves can be the difference in finishing or not. To quote John Blutarsky (Bluto) in the movie Animal House, “When the going gets tough, (pregnant pause as he attempts to remember the rest), the tough get going”! Filling your mind with positive thinking, optimism and belief will help you finish well.

Encouragement: Having people in your corner will help you overcome obstacles and setbacks. These can be members of your small group, or your team at work. Think about the last time your fans carried you to the finish line and know that you can be on the other side of that for someone else.

Clear Vision: Finishers keep the goal in sight. When the WHY is big enough, distractions tend to melt away.

So, as we conclude 2024, analyze the journey you have been on. Maybe it has been a rocky road. If it has, just think about those 2006 Cardinals who hung in there. Like them, you too can finish the season strong to become the champions!

Have a GREAT week and Finish 2024 Strong.

Adapted from True Competitor by Dan Britton and Jimmy Page