Did I Finish?

“The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.

“I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.” Revelation 3:1-2

“David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep.” Acts 13:36

“They had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled.” Acts 14:26

“As you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

“I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. And… this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 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 8:7-11

The Lord saves His people in order to enjoy mutual fellowship and the fruit of living out His purposes on earth. He plants in His children new heaven-directed affections, and gifts to fulfill Spirit-inspired holy desire. He’s prepared work for each to do, and allotted time and space to see it through. It honors Him and benefits His kingdom when specific work, including good intentions, are completed. (Acts 17:26-28; Ephesians 2:8-10)

God knows our works, from intention through completion, and what is done in His name. He knows our zeal and our carelessness. What have we started but not completed? To what unfinished business- in relationships, at work, or in our churches- should we be tending? What causes our pause? Procrastination, sloth, neglect, rebellion? What need we confess or change to excel in the grace of completing our duty?

“Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou hast sought, so let me seek
Thy erring children, lost and lone.

O lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wandering and the wavering feet;
O feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Thy hungering ones with manna sweet.

O strengthen me, that while I stand
Firm on the Rock and strong in Thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand
To wrestlers with the troubled sea.

O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things Thou dost impart;
A word in season, as from Thee,
To weary ones in needful hour.

O fill me with Thy fulness, Lord,
Until my very heart o’erflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.

O use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where;
Until Thy blessèd Face I see,
Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.” ~Frances Ridley Havergal (1872)

Lord, help me daily finish Your work and fulfill Your purposes, by and because of Your grace and for Your glory.