Follow Through

1 Timothy 4:16

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them:

When I was just out of college, I was looking for some type of sport to enjoy and to get exercise. I started playing tennis with some friends, and to say the least, I was bad. Now in today’s lingo, bad means good. Well, I mean to tell you that I was bad in the lingo of the mid 70’s. I mean it, I was really bad. I couldn’t serve and I couldn’t volley. All I had was a desire to play and a desire to win.

One day someone saw my hopelessness and said that my biggest problem was not ability nor desire, it was my follow through. I didn’t even know what they were talking about. I had not been playing tennis, so I was not familiar with the term. It was explained to me that I was not finishing my swing. I was stopping right after I hit the ball instead of carrying on through with the swing. Therefore, I was not consistent and could not place the ball where I wanted it to go. I worked on that phase of my game and believe it or not, got to be pretty good at the game.

I have since discovered that the merits of follow through are involved in all aspects of life. There are multitudes who start out in a venture or with a vision and have a great chance of succeeding. But, after a short while, problems arise, situations get sour and circumstances turn bad. It is at this time that they get discouraged and stop short of achieving their desired goals. The lack of follow through has taken another captive.

The same is true in the Christian life. I have seen so many start out in their walk with the Lord with a zeal and determination that seems to be never ending. Then, after a few trials and disappointments, after a little discouragement and criticism, they stop short of finishing their course.

What a shame it is to be endued with all the power and ability needed to make it and the promise of success to let a little thing like not following through keep you from attaining your goals and receiving your eternal reward. Don’t stop short, follow through, being faithful to your calling till the end. It will certainly be worth it in the end.