The Call to Finish Strong
Why the Final Stretch Matters More Than Ever

It’s easy to start something. The real battle? Finishing it well.
We live in a world obsessed with beginnings—launches, breakthroughs, big moments. But Scripture is clear: it’s not just how you start, it’s how you finish that counts. And right now, we are in the final stretch of a prophetic marathon—and it’s time to finish strong.

The Enemy Isn’t Trying to Stop You—Just Slow You Down

By now, Satan knows he probably can’t get you to quit. So instead, he throws distractions. Detours. Delays.
The devil’s strategy in this season is subtle sabotage—to rob you of momentum so your calling gets postponed indefinitely. And let’s be honest: sometimes it doesn’t take much. A little fatigue. A small offense. A financial hit. Before you know it, you’re off track.
But here’s the word of the Lord for someone reading this:
“He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” —Philippians 1:6 NKJV
The good work isn’t finished yet. So neither are you.

You’re Not in a Sprint or a Marathon—You’re in Both

I’ve heard people say, “This Christian life isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon.” That’s half true.
There are seasons where you have to run with steady endurance, staying grounded in the Word, staying consistent in community, staying faithful in private when no one’s watching.
But then there are moments—like now—where the pace picks up. It’s intense. Urgent. Fast.
That’s when you switch into sprint mode. This is that moment.
The final lap isn’t a slow jog—it’s a holy acceleration.

When the Pace Picks Up, Some People Bow Out

Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have finished the race.” But just a few verses earlier, he mourned that Demas had walked away.
Let’s talk about Demas.
Demas wasn’t a beginner. He was on the team. He carried the anointing. But when the pace picked up, he opted out.
Not because he wasn’t gifted—but because he lacked endurance.
Today, ministries are collapsing, preachers are burning out, believers are walking away—not from lack of calling, but from lack of consistency.
Talent is everywhere. Integrity is rare.

God Is Raising Up the Lukes and the John Marks

Paul said, “Only Luke is with me.” Why? Because Luke was a finisher.
And guess what? John Mark came back.
That’s a word for someone—you might’ve walked away, but the Lord is calling you back. Back to the race. Back to your assignment. Back to the fire.
God doesn’t need perfection—He’s looking for returners. Rebuilders. Finishers.

The Story of Billy Graham—and the Ones Who Didn’t Make It

In 1946, the world looked at three young evangelists and picked two of them as the “future of revival.” Chuck Templeton. Bron Clifford. Not Billy Graham.
But today, only one name remains.
Both Templeton and Clifford flamed out within a decade. Graham? He ran the full race—and protected his mantle until the very end.
Why? One word: Integrity.
You don’t finish strong by having the biggest start. You finish strong by guarding the anointing, staying accountable, and refusing to chase the spotlight.

What Does It Take to Finish Strong?

Consistency in both private and public.
Endurance when others get tired and walk away.
Focus when distractions scream for your attention.
Faithfulness when no one is watching.
Fire when everyone else is getting cold.
You’ve come too far to quit now. You’ve seen too much to back down. You’ve been through too much to turn around.
This is your season to finish strong.

Your Time Is Now—Don’t Sit This One Out

God isn’t just looking for starters. He’s raising up finishers. And He’s placed you in this moment—for this generation—for this final lap.
It’s time to run. It’s time to build. It’s time to finish.

Want to Help Us Finish the Race?

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➡️ Click the Donate button to partner with our ministry.
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➡️ Stay connected, stay informed, and let’s run this race together.
Together, we’re running hard.
Together, we’ll finish strong.
Larry Ragland
Copyright – Larry Ragland Ministries