Endings; Appointed and Required

I am naturally a forerunner; always looking ahead with eyes to see or find possibilities.

Pioneering and strategic planning seems to run through my DNA. Future orientation is my default. It is the place I thrive and come alive but it is also bordered by significant discomfort and uncertainty.

There is a verse that I have been chewing on for the past 3 weeks;

“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”

Revelation 1:8

We like the Alpha beginnings. They are exciting and fueling; when God is 'doing a new thing....now it springs up. Do you not perceive it?' (Isaiah 43:19). The ignition of the NOW sparks enthusiasm and expectancy for what is to come. Future reaching pursuers easily grasp the power, presence, and purpose of this aspect of Alpha God accompanied with an urgency for the follow through.

However; embracing who God is as 'Omega' is vitally important before anything new can spring up or surge with growing momentum. Endings are divinely appointed as much and possibly more than the new waves rolling in. We are just not as comfortable or focused with the finales; unless "they all lived happily ever after." ...because that makes us happy too!

How we exit a chapter determines the trajectory of the new one unfolding. The closure and conclusion is also where God resides fully; eyes focused in both forward and backward directions. He IS Omega; divine finality. The appointed ending author but the one who IS without end.

Endings are about finishing. The race is won (and lost) at the finish line. The champion's eyes are fixed fully on completing before any trophy can be lifted.

Jesus' last words on a bloodied cross were "It is finished." We have the benefit of knowing the resurrection storyline but all those present on the ground were confused and lost. The expectation and reality clashed with uncomfortable soul searching questions and grief filled disorientation. They were not ready for the seeming chaos and unknowns. It was painful and messy.

Endings are difficult but annointed!

Endings unleash and unlock the new. You cannot have one without the other. Beautifully interwoven and interdependent.

Connected and coexisting to launch and propel.

They are the measuring stick for success and holy completion.

"There is an appointed time for everything and a season for every purpose under heaven."

Ecclesiastes 3:1

As we press forward with anticipation and expectancy let us also prepare ourselves fully to release our hands and open our hearts for appointed closings. They are powerful, holy and required.

Let us be ready to let go....

The End.