I’m so grateful to God for letting us see another year. A year of new visions, insights, opportunities, hopes, and dreams. A New Year of prosperity; building up, not tearing down; looking forward, not backward; finishing the course, not regretting the paths to get there; knowing that all things are working for the good to those who are in Christ Jesus.

Therefore, I hope to encourage you to focus on the finish, not the fight. Have you considered setting your mind on your goal instead of the piles of work required? I have discovered, focusing on my struggles can lead to discouragement, hopeless, and despair. I’m now learning by setting my mind above and beyond my struggles, to imagine the results desired, produces gratitude and hope. I ask you, can you see your finished result? Can you smell it? Can you taste it? Can you see yourself crossing that finish line? Can you view yourself walking across the stage, being handed your degree while your family and friends stand in applaud? What about that issue, that situation, that trial, that test, that illness, or that pain you’ve been struggling with? Can you see it’s done? Can you see yourself placing it in Jesus’ hand, and Him handling it?

Last but not least, can you see how Jesus focused on the finish… and not the fight? How He didn’t let the fight deter Him, nor stop Him? He kept the ‘finished’ focus. He saw the big picture of victory for us at the finish line. He knew in the ‘Finish’ men, women, boys, and girls would have the opportunity for Salvation in Him. In the ‘Finish’ everyone would have access to a mansion not made by hands. In the ‘Finish’ there is life eternal with Him  heaven.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

“As it is written, “‘I have made you the father of many nations”‘– in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.” Romans 4:17

I will keep on thanking God for finishing the fight that produced my faith in Him. By it I have a new perspective in helping me to left my mind above the trials to victory in Him. By Hertistine Washington/keeponthanking.com

Happy new Year!