“I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave me to do.” John 17:4 NIV
New Year’s Resolutions.
After years of not following through on beginning-of-the-year resolutions, I long ago resolved to discontinue the practice. Finally, a resolution I could keep.
Until this past year.
Perhaps my change of heart is due to the influence of the excellent company I’ve been keeping over the past several years or maybe it’s the Holy Spirit continuing His transformative work in me – most likely both.
At the beginning of last year, many of my new friends from the Christian writers and speakers world talked about “the word” they had claimed for the year.
The claimed “word” is typically tied to a Scripture verse, Bible passage, or biblical truth.
I learned that rather than resolving to do something (lose weight, exercise more, etc.), the claimed “word” establishes focus for the new year.
I was intrigued and over the past two months, I’ve prayed that God would give me a “word” for 2024 that would focus me and align my heart with His plans for me in the new year.
This was a different sort of prayer for me, so I was eager to see how God might respond to this request. Soon after starting to pray for God’s leading in the new year, I read this verse:
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.
John 4:34 NIV
The words jumped off the page. Immediately, I thought of the writing and art projects that I had started throughout the year, most of which had not been brought to a final state of conclusion. “Well,” I thought, “that’s a good reminder to get those projects done so I can be ready to move on to whatever God has for me in 2024.”
A few days later, I read John 17:4 (NIV) where Jesus said, “I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave me to do.”
From there it was like a landslide of scriptural encouragement and reminders to finish the work for God that was already underway:
– In Acts, Paul spoke to the Elders of the Church at Ephesus, “…if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the LORD Jesus” (Acts 20:24).
– Paul instructed the Church at Corinth to finish gathering the offering they had committed to send to the poor and suffering Jewish believers in Jerusalem. In essence, Paul said, “Your desire to help was great, but you’ve got to follow through on your commitment and give the financial support you promised.”
“So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.”
2 Corinthians 8:11
– Paul wrote to Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race…” (2 Timothy 4:7).
At that point, I started proactively searching the Scriptures and found other references that instruct us to finish the work that God has given us. I was reminded of faith heroes who completed the projects that God had placed in their hands to accomplish: Noah and the Ark, Moses leading the Israelites, Joshua commanding the armies of Israel, Solomon building the Temple, and so many others.
God gives us two examples that beautifully demonstrate what God wants from us – one is from Genesis, the other from the Gospel of John. In Genesis, God Himself modeled His expectations for His children. Finish the work.
“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done.”
Genesis 2:1-2 ESV
I received the word that I had requested – three words actually.
I was looking for something new – new writing topics, new speaking opportunities, expanded ministries – maybe even something exciting. But God clearly showed me that before He places something new into my hands, I need to obediently and enthusiastically finish the work He has already given to me.
I must be faithful and obedient to follow through on the instructions He has already given me. No matter how sincerely I desire to be used by God, if I don’t act on that desire, obey God’s leading, and complete the assignment that He has given me, my desire is meaningless. It is worthless.
I wonder. Are you praying and waiting for a new focus? Are you asking God for the next assignment? Are you looking for new, more meaningful Kingdom work?
Perhaps, a step back to evaluate the status of all that you are currently doing is needed. Have you brought your latest God assignment to completion? Or, like me, are you going with the assumption that a new year means it’s time for new assignments?
Maybe God does have something new for you in the new year. Or, perhaps He wants you to finish well the assignment that He has already given to you.
The second and most precious example of finishing God’s work in loving obedience was demonstrated by our Savior at Calvary:
“Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” … When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed his head and gave up His spirit.”
John 19:28, 30 NIV
Will you pray with me?
Gracious Father,
As this new year begins, let my thoughts be turned towards You. Open my heart and my hands to You. Show me how You want me to serve You in these next twelve months.
Is there unfinished work that You want to be brought to completion?
Is there an ongoing ministry that needs to be nurtured and continued?
Lord, is there a new ministry opportunity that You want me to pursue?
Whatever You have for me, Father, give me a willing heart and obedient spirit. God, I pray for clarity, understanding, and complete reliance on Your guiding presence.
Lead me, Lord. Equip me to serve You faithfully and well.
I pray this in the Name Above All Names,
In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
Amen.