Blog 59 / Our High Calling
June 9, 2022
Finishing Well
Thus far has the Lord helped us. (1 Sam 7:14)
A good verse to ponder any time we want to take stock of our lives and ministry is 1 Sam 7:14 “Thus far has the Lord helped us.” The words “Thus far” points to our PAST and the fact that the Lord has helped us every step of the way.
As we look back over the years, the Lord has been our faithful friend and guide. He has never left us or forsaken us. He’s been our help through times of shortage or abundance; whether in sickness or in health. He’s never skipped a day.
“Thus far hath the Lord helped us…” also has implications for the FUTURE. “Thus far” implies we are not finished yet. Our work is not yet done; there is more to come.
Yes, there will be more trials and temptations to go through; but also more blessings to count as we get closer to the finish line. In all things, we need to keep depending on God who has helped us thus far. We want to finish well and not be among those who fell by the wayside because they failed to persevere.
We don’t want to be like King Asa who, in 2 Chron.14-16, started well but ended up finishing badly. Towards the end of his long reign, he was afflicted with a disease of his feet. Though it was serious, he refused to seek help from the Lord. After a lifetime of trusting God for help, what a sad way to end.
God expects us to finish well. This is why He gave us this wonderful promise in Phil 1:6. “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” He will do it and He doeth all things well!
And so, the Lord, who has been our helper all of our days, will, when our final day arrives, help us take that last step that will take us from the finish line into eternity. There we will see our dear Savior face-to-face. As we behold His glory and the wonders of Heaven, so many things will surely amaze us. Not least, when heaven reveals just how much God did in answer to prayer.
That being so, I’m sure I’ll wonder, why did I pray so little?
Colin Stott
GRN Global Prayer Coordinator
