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Finish Strong

I have observed several good coaches both on and off the field and find that it is common to hear them challenge their players with the words, “finish strong”.   Those who ultimately find their way to the Pro Bowl are players who know how to finish strong.  They are committed and focused on doing what is required until the whistle blows.  They know how to complete the task and are dedicated to working hard on every play.

Many prognosticators figured that Peyton Manning and his Baltimore Colts would be hitting a golf ball around the course during the post-season playoffs.  At mid-season they had one of the worst defenses in the NFL.  There offensive line also seemed a little weak in protecting Peyton from the onslaught of defenders.

Thanks to a great work ethic, a dedicated team effort, and the grace of God, the Indianapolis Colts are now the World Champions.  Due to my schedule I watched very little football this year.  This was the first year in the past nine years I didn’t do a chapel or character-building seminar for an NFL team.  And even though I was traveling back from a ministry event in Houston, Texas I was able to watch the entire game on the plane.

It was so refreshing to see the humility and Christian witness the owner, head coach, and quarterback had about the results of the game.  In a time when bravado carries the day with many athletes, it was wonderful to see the coaches of both teams and many of their athletes give God the glory for their abilities and skills.
 
One of the key factors with the Colts’ win over the very challenging Bears was their determination. There ability to finish each play strong was evident in the amount of yardage gained after the catch or following the first tackler hitting a Colts runner.  For a receiver the record books call this RAC yardage (Yards After Completion). 

Whether playing for a Super Bowl ring or the final game of an unsuccessful season, the Colts’ philosophy is the same, they plan on finishing strong! They are committed and focused on every game despite the competition.  During the AFC Championship game the power of positive thinking and determination gave them a victory over the New England Patriots.

Coach Dungee’s wise words of “finish strong” are not only a good rally cry for a Super Bowl bound team but for all of us with a weary hearts. Specifically, we need to keep focused upon the victory that is ours through a personal and trusting relationship with Jesus Christ. 

The Apostle Paul had numerous imprisonments and difficulties that would have worn down most people.  His strong determination kept him focused and allowed the struggling disciple to pen these words provided by the Holy Spirit.  “More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ,” Philippians 3:8.

No amount of punishment, pressure, doubt, fear or disbelief was going to take away his victorious moments that would ultimately become stair steps to his success.  Paul knew that if he focused upon God instead of his circumstances he would succeed in being an effective witness for Jesus.  How else could a man who had been beaten, imprisoned, and left for dead write, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6&7 

My friend, the answer is as simple as a good place-kicker kicking an extra point.  Paul had fixed his focus on a loving, gracious Savior.  The attitude of his heart was set on God.  He never forgot the lessons learned along the Damascus Road where he felt God’s unconditional love.  Paul was committed to the course laid out before him by God.  His target was identified and his purpose resolute. 

Our attitudes shape the way we view life.  Are you feeling like you want to give up or slow down?  Perhaps you need to more precisely define your goals and commitments.  Maybe your focus is on your circumstances rather than your Savior.

Remember, the words of Coach Dungee and the Apostle Paul-- “Finish Strong!”  May God’s grace and peace sustain you.

Have a great week.  Jim Grassi