Craig Clouston

 Finish Well!

January 14

Forgetting what is behind … I press on toward the goal to win the

prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13, 14

The young man was pleased with the progress he had made. The model of his

latest architectural masterpiece was taking shape! It wouldn’t be long before he

could present the project to the marketing department. He thought back to the

break he’d been given three years ago.

He had landed the job with this firm, had his own office, and even had an

expense account. He had become dependable, earning their trust and thanks by

producing exceptional buildings with beautiful renderings and visual stimula-

tion. His designs were second to none; his talents were much sought after in

the construction industry.

But what many people were unaware of was that Jason had been in prison.

There had been a time in his life that he had broken the law. He had paid his

debt and now worked hard to build a better life for himself and his family.

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We are sometimes judged, justly or unjustly, by our mistakes. What matters

more than the mistakes of our past is how we finish. We are unable to person-

ally atone for the past; only the blood of Christ has that power. But by making

changes and right choices in the pattern of our lives, things can change for the

better.

People tend to judge with historical data, not affording grace to those who

have made mistakes. In Jason’s case, they knew of his criminal record and still

chose to extend him an opportunity. Like that firm, God sees our full potential

and withholds judgment until we finish.

Throughout biblical history, we see evidence of esteemed men and women

making mistakes yet finishing well: Abraham, Isaac, David, Rahab, and the

Samaritan woman, even Mary Magdalene. All of them broke God’s law, yet

each changed and finished well. We have the ability to do the same. By forget-

ting the past and pressing forward in Christ Jesus, we too can finish well.

Prayer

“Judge of the universe, thank You for calling me in

Your direction. I get so bogged down when I focus on

my past failures. Help me focus on the right course in

life and keep my eyes pointed in the right direction

with my head lifted up. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”