I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. - 2 Timothy 4:7
It’s been a powerful week for me here in Los Angeles between trips to Asia and a powerful last few months in general. It’s reminded me of the importance of finishing well. You may have heard that only 3 in 10 leaders finish well. It is for this reason that Asian Access invests heavily in the lives of emerging young leaders: to help more finish well in the journey of life and ministry!
Two special events this week captured my attention toward this end:
First, was celebrating my parents 50th wedding anniversary. In this day and age, this is a powerful example for the rest of us. I’m so blessed to have the parents I do (pictured here before and after). They have modeled the path before me in what it means to maintain a faithful presence through the good and the tough seasons of life. During the course of the weekend celebration, my father expressed a desire to “finish well” and I know that both he and my mother will. They embody what A2 highlights in these two important blog posts:
Another event that inspired me was in returning to my missional roots. I took my father, son and future son-in-law to Mexicali where I cut my teeth in ministry 30 years ago. We are pictured here next to one of my heroes, Amelia Rattan. Amelia has faithfully been serving and leading for Azusa Pacific Universities Mexico Outreach Ministry for several decades. She also models for me what it means to finish well!
Finally, one last powerful example from the emerging generation is the work of my son, John pictured here. He just graduated, receiving several awards and accolades from his peers, from the eighth grade. Middle School is such a tough season in life and my son has endured, pressed on and finished with flying colors. John, I’m so proud of you! The world is ahead of you and keep looking to leaders like your grandparents and Amelia who have paved the road ahead of us.
Finishing well is one of the most important aspects of life. I think my father captured it best when he said,
"I told my son Joe that our main concern is to finish well. He pointed me to some information on his web site. After reading that information I am convinced that we will finish well not because of our strength but because we rely on HIM!!
So true: our finishing well depends heavily on our abiding in Christ – John 15:5.
How do you plan on finishing well? I’d like to hear your wisdom!
Joe
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