June 8 -- "The Starter vs. The Finisher"

Today's Reading: Philippians 1

Have you ever started something with wild enthusiasm, only to lose steam when the work gets tough or tedious? Maybe it's an abandoned hobby, an unfinished novel, or a well-intentioned diet that fizzled out before it began. We humans can be great at starting things—but finishing? That’s another story.

A man affectionately nicknamed “The Starter” was notorious for launching projects with boundless excitement, only to leave them half-done when challenges set in. His growing pile of abandoned ambitions left him frustrated, unfulfilled, and constantly searching for the next spark of inspiration. His struggle reflects a common human limitation—we often lack the perseverance to see things through.

But here’s the good news: God is not just a “Starter.” He is The Finisher. Philippians 1:6 confidently declares that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus. God doesn’t lose focus, get overwhelmed, or abandon His plans. His work in us is steady, intentional, and absolutely guaranteed. When He starts a transformation, He finishes it—perfectly.

Unlike The Starter’s abandoned projects, God’s work in our lives is unstoppable. He is never hindered by distraction, delay, or difficulty. His faithfulness ensures that every believer is continually being shaped into the image of Christ. His timing is flawless, His purposes unshakable.

Yes, sometimes His process feels slow. We might grow impatient, wondering if real change is happening at all. But Scripture reminds us that God's timing is always perfect. Ecclesiastes 3:11 assures us, He has made everything beautiful in its time, and 2 Peter 3:9 reveals that what seems like delay is actually divine patience, working for our ultimate good.

So when discouragement creeps in—when you feel unworthy, dissatisfied, or stalled in your spiritual growth—hold fast to His promises. Surrender daily to His Spirit. Rest in the certainty that He is still working, even when you don’t see it. Walk in faith and obedience, knowing that God's timeline is never rushed, yet never delayed.

And what’s the grand finale? Glorification. One day, we will stand before Christ, fully perfected, transformed, and complete (1 John 3:2). Until then, the divine process continues, shaped by the hands of a God who never quits, never gets distracted, and never walks away.

So take heart! You are His masterpiece in progress, and He will never leave a job half-done.

Today, may the Lord fill your heart with peace, confidence, and unshakable trust in His unfailing work. And, may you rest in His promises and boldly walk forward, knowing He will complete all He has begun in you—for His glory.