Anything is possible if the God of possibilities is involved. Anything is possible even in the last month or minute of this year, if the God of possibilities is involved. One of the criminals who was crucified with Jesus made a statement a few minutes before he was crucified that completely altered his destiny and everything wrong, sinful, and grievous he had done prior to that moment.
When another criminal, who was also to be crucified with Jesus, made a statement to deride and belittle Jesus, the criminal who received mercy and pardon a few moments before his death didn’t join him in mocking Jesus. He made a statement that showed he truly recognised Jesus as the Son of God and One sent by God, and that unlike him, who was a thief, Jesus didn’t deserve the punishment He was being given. Then he asked Jesus to remember him when He entered His kingdom.
By that statement, in the sight of God, he was no longer seen as a criminal, but as one fit and worthy by God’s grace and mercy to enter into the Kingdom of God. The criminal didn’t end his life as a criminal but as a recipient of divine mercy. He didn’t end in shame and condemnation; he received a glorious ending. He ended well; he exited this world in peace and triumph.
This man ended well based on the words that came out of his mouth. Our words truly are powerful. They can make a world of difference. If you want to end this year well, you must be careful with your words. You must speak words that will help you finish well and strong, not words that will open you up to regret, loss, and defeat.
If you don’t want to see yourself weeping, on a hospital bed, confused and running helter-skelter or in shame and reproach at the end of this year, then declare what God has promised you: that from now to the end of this year, all will go well with you, and you will be in good health. Confusion will be far from you, because, whether you turn to the left or to the right, you will hear God’s voice telling you the way to go and what to do as the year winds up. Wake up in the morning and tell yourself, “I will not be put to shame this last month of the year, for I know whom I have believed. My eyes are on Jesus, and those that look to the Lord are radiant; their faces are not covered in shame and disgrace.” These are not mere words and casual statements; they are words of life, words of power, words of hope—words to be spoken to end this year well. Words that come from cultivating the habit of devoting time to the study of God’s Word and becoming acquainted with the promises of God.
Kindness can make you finish well and leave a lasting impact and legacy. It was an act of kindness that made Rahab end well. She sheltered the Israelite spies that were sent to Jericho (Joshua 2). Ordinarily, Rahab was the kind of woman you keep at arm’s length; she was a prostitute, a loose, immoral woman. Yet she ended well—in fact, so well that she’s listed in the genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and mentioned in Hebrews 11:31 as one of the Bible characters with admirable and commendable faith.
For being courageous and caring to hide the spies Joshua sent to Jericho; for being kind, loving, and supportive of her family, doing everything possible to ensure no harm came to them when the Israelites came to take over Jericho – Rahab became a woman worthy of honor. Rahab ended well.
For anyone who wants to end this year well, this is not a time to harbor malice and an unforgiving spirit. This is not a time to speak cruel and harsh words to people or be cold and indifferent to the plight of others. This is a time to be kind to others, tenderhearted, forgiving others, as God in Christ forgave you. This is a time to demonstrate that the Holy Spirit lives in you, which is evident from the kind acts He inspires you to do. Kindness is not a weakness; kindness is paving the way for you to have an exemplary ending.
Throughout the time Jesus was here on earth, to His last breath on the cross, He spent His time in prayer and close communion with God. His final words were an indication that He had finished well—He had fulfilled the purpose for which He was sent to earth. He said, “It is finished.”
Prayer can help you discover and fulfill your purpose. Prayer can guide and order your steps aright. Prayer can help you overcome distractions and strengthen you to persevere and stay focused in the face of trials and hardship. Prayer can help you end well.
As we get ready to end 2025 and step into 2026, may our lives be filled with the fruit of the Spirit and the virtues and character traits that please God, and can make us earn His divine approval. When we reflect on 2025, may it be a year we walked in purpose, stayed in close communion with God, devoted time to the study of God’s Word, spoke destiny-changing words, and spread the fragrance of God’s love and kindness to others— that truly is a remarkable way to end the year.
Etiquette Corner
What is the Greatest Act of Love?
CONSIDERATION
If you really love someone, you consider them. You think before you speak, and you move with an awareness of how your actions affect their peace. You care about what makes them feel safe, not just what makes you feel good. If you truly love them, you think about how your actions will affect them.
Upcoming Events
Notices
