It’s almost that time. Another new year is fastly approaching. It is the beginning of the last quarter of 2016. I’m unsure how you feel, but for me, this year has flown by.

By the end of this quarter, we will embrace a new President of the United States. By the end of the year, we will see changes within other government offices and newly elected officials will bring new policies, new laws and more changes. By the end of the year, we will celebrate the history that has been made and the doors opened for an African American to be elected for two full terms as President. 

What will you change by the end of 2016? 

• Will you carry over the same habits and the same resolutions that were made in January of this year?
• Do you still carry the proclamation of “this being your year?”
• Is your 2016 still going to be greater than your 2015?
• Are you just as enthusiastic about change now as you were back in January?
• Are you still seeking to lose the weight you aggressively planned to lose by this time?
• Are you still holding on to grudges and unforgiveness?

The good news is that it doesn’t matter how we started or even where we are now. What matters is how we finish.

Everyone can start strong, and most times we do; but not everyone finishes strong. Why is that? Starting is fun; it’s new. Starting brings fresh ideas and more imagination and something to looking forward to. Starting is exciting and emotional, but have you noticed that it doesn’t take much time for the initial adrenaline rush to wear off?
It’s time to get back into your “New Year’s” state of mind. Anything God starts, He completes.

“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NKJV‬

The Holy Spirit is determined to complete the purpose He has for us, through us, but we must allow the work to be performed. 

1. Jesus is not just the Author but also the Finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)
2. Jesus is not just Alpa, but also Omega. (Revelations 1:8)
3. Jesus is not just the beginning, but also the ending. (Revelations 1:8)

Since we are made in the image of God, we should have that same quality of finishing, but we must focus now. 

1. Revisit and think of the goals you had written earlier in the year and make them approachable.  
2. Prioritize and set target dates for completion, so you can visibly see progress. Create a vision board to remind you of your goals. 
3. Speak it. The words we speak can change the course of our future in an instant. 
4. Believe it. Belief is what pushes us and gives us hope to press on. 
5. Ask for the Holy Spirit to guide you so that your goals align with His will and purpose. 

Think it. Write it. Speak it. Believe it! Your new year can start now!