Read:

Ecclesiastes 7:8 "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride."

Think:

Does anyone relish goodbyes? Does anyone get pleasure out of thinking about endings or planning for endings? There are not a lot of self-help books on the market about chapter closings, probably because they often leave us with regret, sadness, confusion – or a mixture of all of these feelings. The Bible says the end of a season is often more important than its beginning. In the beginning, we are looking ahead to all kinds of possiblities. Starting is the easy part. The Bible is full of characters who started well but ended horribly. Consider Saul (1 Samuel 15 and 16) or Joash (2 Kings 12).

It is possible to end a season well even though it is hard, even though our identity may be tied up in it, and even though we seem to be losing value. To finish well, we need to visualize the potential of the future. We must release the past season and allow God to fulfill his plans and purpose into the next season of our lives.

Solomon gives us wisdom about patience and surrendering to God's pace and plan for seasons in our lives. Every beginning starts with the ending of something else, and finishing seasons well is something we need to ponder.

Apply:

Today as you live with a divine purpose, be aware that God may lead you to your situation's end. A wedding marks the end of singleness but ushers in a new reality of mutual, loving companionship. Think about some areas or situations where God has closed the door and opened new opportunities. Thank him for his faithfulness. Visualize where God is leading and join him. If you’re needing a fresh start, your step today could be to get connected by joining a serving team or group at your church.

Pray:

God, you are the beginning and the end. Give me wisdom and discernment to finish well. Help me follow you and be ideally in step with your desires. In Jesus' name, Amen.