finishing strong steve farrar free ebook 19

# Finishing Strong: How to Go the Distance in Life and Faith ## Introduction - Explain what finishing strong means and why it is important for men - Introduce the book Finishing Strong by Steve Farrar as a guide for men who want to finish strong - Give a brief overview of the book's main points and themes ## The Challenge of Finishing Strong - Share some statistics and examples of men who started well but did not finish strong in their faith, family, ministry, or career - Highlight some of the common pitfalls and temptations that can derail men from finishing strong - Emphasize the need for men to be vigilant, accountable, and faithful in their walk with God ## The Characteristics of Men Who Finish Strong - Identify and explain some of the key traits and habits of men who finish strong, such as: - They have a clear vision and purpose for their lives - They are committed to God's Word and prayer - They are humble and teachable - They are loyal and trustworthy - They are courageous and resilient - They are generous and compassionate - Provide some biblical and contemporary examples of men who exhibited these characteristics and finished strong ## The Benefits of Finishing Strong - Describe some of the rewards and blessings that come from finishing strong, such as: - They have a lasting legacy and impact on others - They have a deeper joy and peace in their hearts - They have a closer relationship with God and others - They have a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in their lives - They have a brighter hope and confidence for the future - Provide some scriptural promises and assurances for men who finish strong ## The Steps to Finishing Strong - Outline some practical and actionable steps that men can take to finish strong, such as: - Set realistic and specific goals for their lives - Seek wise counsel and mentorship from other godly men - Join a small group or community of like-minded men who can support and encourage them - Avoid unnecessary distractions and temptations that can hinder their progress - Celebrate their achievements and milestones along the way - Learn from their failures and mistakes and keep moving forward - Rely on God's grace and power to sustain them through the challenges and trials they face ## Conclusion - Summarize the main points and themes of the article - Reiterate the importance and value of finishing strong for men - Invite the readers to take action and apply the principles from the book Finishing Strong by Steve Farrar to their lives - Provide some resources and links for further reading and learning Here is the article I wrote based on the outline: # Finishing Strong: How to Go the Distance in Life and Faith Have you ever wondered what it takes to finish strong in life? To reach your full potential as a man, a husband, a father, a leader, a friend, a follower of Christ? To leave behind a legacy that will inspire others to follow your example? Finishing strong is not easy. It requires dedication, discipline, determination, and devotion. It requires making wise choices, overcoming obstacles, facing challenges, enduring hardships, resisting temptations, staying faithful, and persevering until the end. Sadly, many men start well but do not finish strong. They begin with enthusiasm, passion, vision, and promise. But along the way, they lose their focus, their motivation, their integrity, their character, their faith. They fall prey to sin, compromise, complacency, pride, selfishness, bitterness, or despair. They give up on their dreams, their goals, their relationships, their calling. They settle for mediocrity, or worse. But it doesn't have to be that way. You can be different. You can be one of the few who finish strong. You can be one of the exceptional men who go the distance in life and faith. How? By following the principles from the book Finishing Strong by Steve Farrar. This book is a must-read for every man who wants to finish strong. It is based on years of research, observation, experience, and biblical wisdom. It is filled with stories, insights, lessons, warnings, encouragements, challenges, and practical steps that will help you finish strong. In this article, we will give you a brief overview of the book's main points and themes. We will also share with you some of the benefits, characteristics, and steps of finishing strong. We hope that this article will inspire you to read the book and apply its principles to your life. ## The Challenge of Finishing Strong Finishing strong is not the norm. It is the exception. According to Steve Farrar, only one out of ten men who start well in their faith will finish strong. That means that nine out of ten men will fail to finish strong. They will either drop out, burn out, or sell out. Why is that? What causes men to fall short of finishing strong? What are some of the common pitfalls and temptations that can derail men from their course? Steve Farrar identifies several factors that can prevent men from finishing strong, such as: - Moral failure. Many men succumb to sexual immorality, adultery, pornography, or other forms of lust. They compromise their purity, their integrity, their marriage, their family, their ministry, and their testimony. They lose their credibility, their respect, their influence, and their joy. - Materialism. Many men become obsessed with money, possessions, status, or success. They chase after the things of this world rather than the things of God. They neglect their spiritual growth, their relationship with God, their stewardship of resources, and their service to others. They become greedy, selfish, discontent, or anxious. - Pride. Many men become arrogant, boastful, or self-reliant. They think they know it all, they can do it all, they have it all. They ignore God's Word, God's will, God's ways, and God's warnings. They reject God's grace, God's guidance, God's correction, and God's authority. They become stubborn, rebellious, or independent. - Discouragement. Many men become depressed, hopeless, or weary. They face difficulties, disappointments, failures, or losses. They doubt God's love, God's power, God's plan, or God's presence. They lose their faith, their courage, their vision, or their purpose. They become bitter, angry, or fearful. These are just some of the examples of the challenges that men face in finishing strong. There are many more that could be mentioned. The point is that finishing strong is not easy. It is hard. It is rare. It is a battle. That is why men need to be vigilant, accountable, and faithful in their walk with God. They need to guard their hearts, minds, ## The Characteristics of Men Who Finish Strong What makes some men finish strong while others don't? What are some of the qualities and habits that distinguish men who go the distance in life and faith? Steve Farrar identifies several characteristics of men who finish strong, such as: - They have a clear vision and purpose for their lives. They know what God has called them to do and they pursue it with passion and conviction. They don't let distractions, doubts, or difficulties deter them from their God-given mission. They have a sense of direction and destiny that guides their decisions and actions. - They are committed to God's Word and prayer. They study, meditate, memorize, and apply God's Word to their lives. They seek God's wisdom, will, and ways in every situation. They communicate with God regularly and depend on Him for everything. They are nourished by God's Word and empowered by God's Spirit. - They are humble and teachable. They recognize their own weaknesses, limitations, and mistakes. They admit their faults, confess their sins, and repent of their wrongs. They seek forgiveness from God and others. They are open to correction, instruction, and feedback. They learn from others who are wiser and more experienced than them. - They are loyal and trustworthy. They keep their promises, fulfill their commitments, and honor their obligations. They are faithful to their spouses, children, friends, church, and ministry. They are honest, reliable, and dependable. They don't betray, cheat, or deceive anyone. They protect and defend those they love. - They are courageous and resilient. They face their fears, overcome their challenges, and endure their trials. They don't give up, give in, or give out. They stand firm in their faith, resist temptation, and fight the good fight. They persevere through pain, suffering, and hardship. They bounce back from setbacks, failures, and losses. - They are generous and compassionate. They share their resources, talents, time, and gifts with others. They support God's work financially, materially, practically, and spiritually. They serve others with humility, kindness, grace, and love. They care for the poor, the needy, the oppressed, and the marginalized. They reflect God's heart and character. These are some of the traits that mark men who finish strong. Of course, no one is perfect or has all these qualities fully developed. But these are the goals that men who finish strong strive for and grow in. We can find many examples of men who finished strong in the Bible. Men like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David (despite his failures), Daniel (despite his trials), Paul (despite his hardships), John (despite his exile), etc. We can also find examples of men who finished strong in history. Men like Martin Luther (who sparked the Reformation), John Wesley (who led a revival), William Wilberforce (who abolished slavery), Hudson Taylor (who pioneered missions to China), Dietrich Bonhoeffer (who resisted Nazism), Billy Graham (who preached the gospel to millions), etc. These men inspire us to follow their footsteps and finish strong for God's glory. ## The Benefits of Finishing Strong Why should we finish strong? What are some of the rewards and blessings that come from finishing strong? How does finishing strong benefit us in this life and in the life to come? Steve Farrar points out several benefits of finishing strong such as: - They have a lasting legacy and impact on others. They leave behind a positive and powerful influence on their families, friends, churches, communities, and generations. They inspire others to follow their example and live for God. They make a difference in the world for God's kingdom. - They have a deeper joy and peace in their hearts. They experience the satisfaction and fulfillment of living according to God's will and purpose. They enjoy the intimacy and fellowship of God's presence and love. They have the assurance and confidence of God's approval and reward. They have the hope and anticipation of God's promises and plans. - They have a closer relationship with God and others. They grow in their knowledge and love of God through His Word and prayer. They develop their character and likeness to Christ through His Spirit and grace. They cultivate their friendships and partnerships with other believers through His church and ministry. They express their worship and gratitude to God through their lives and service. - They have a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in their lives. They achieve their goals and dreams that God has placed in their hearts. They use their gifts and talents that God has given them for His glory. They accomplish their tasks and responsibilities that God has entrusted them with for His kingdom. They fulfill their roles and callings that God has assigned them with for His purpose. - They have a brighter hope and confidence for the future. They look forward to the day when they will see God face to face and hear Him say, \"Well done, good and faithful servant.\" They anticipate the day when they will receive their crowns and rewards from God's hand. They await the day when they will enter into their eternal inheritance and home in heaven. These are some of the benefits of finishing strong. Of course, these are not the main reasons why we should finish strong. We should finish strong because we love God, we honor God, we obey God, we serve God, we glorify God. But these benefits are added bonuses that God graciously gives us as we finish strong for Him. ## The Steps to Finishing Strong How can we finish strong? What are some practical and actionable steps that we can take to finish strong? How can we apply the principles from the book Finishing Strong by Steve Farrar to our lives? Steve Farrar suggests several steps to finishing strong, such as: - Set realistic and specific goals for your life. Write down what you want to accomplish for God in your life, in your family, in your church, in your ministry, in your career, etc. Make sure your goals are aligned with God's Word, God's will, and God's glory. Review your goals regularly and track your progress. - Seek wise counsel and mentorship from other godly men. Find someone who can guide you, teach you, advise you, challenge you, support you, pray for you, etc. Someone who has finished or is finishing strong in his life. Someone who can be your role model, your coach, your friend, etc. - Join a small group or community of like-minded men who can support and encourage you. Surround yourself with other men who share your vision, your values, your faith, etc. Men who can hold you accountable, spur you on, lift you up, etc. Men who can be your brothers, your partners, your teammates, etc. - Avoid unnecessary distractions and temptations that can hinder your progress. Identify the things that can distract you from your goals, such as media, entertainment, hobbies, etc. Limit or eliminate them from your life as much as possible. Identify the things that can tempt you to sin such as lust, greed, pride, anger, etc. Resist them by God's Word, God's Spirit, and God's grace. Flee from them and seek God's help and forgiveness when you fall. - Celebrate your achievements and milestones along the way. Acknowledge and appreciate the progress you have made in your journey. Thank God for His faithfulness and provision in your life. Share your testimonies and praises with others. Reward yourself and others for your efforts and results. - Learn from your failures and mistakes and keep moving forward. Don't let your failures and mistakes discourage you or define you. Learn from them and grow from them. Ask God for His mercy and wisdom in your life. Seek forgiveness and reconciliation from others when you hurt them. Don't dwell on the past but focus on the future. - Rely on God's grace and power to sustain you through the challenges and trials you face. Don't depend on your own strength or wisdom to finish strong. Depend on God's strength and wisdom to finish strong. Trust in His promises and plans for your life. Pray for His guidance and protection in your life. Submit to His authority and direction in your life. These are some of the steps that can help you finish strong. Of course, these are not exhaustive or comprehensive. There may be other steps that are relevant or applicable to your situation. The point is that finishing strong is not a passive or automatic process. It is an active and intentional process. It requires your cooperation and participation with God's work in your life. ## Conclusion Finishing strong is not an option for men who love God and follow Christ. It is a mandate. It is a mission. It is a privilege. God has called you to finish strong for His glory and honor. He has given you everything you need to finish strong by His grace and power. He has promised you great rewards and blessings when you finish strong by His faithfulness and love. Don't settle for anything less than finishing strong for God. Don't let anything stop you from finishing strong for God. Don't miss out on the joy of finishing strong for God. Read the book Finishing Strong by Steve Farrar and apply its principles to your life. You can do it. You can finish strong. By God's grace. For God's glory. ## FAQs Q: What does it mean to finish strong? A: To finish strong means to complete the course that God has set for you in life with faithfulness, integrity, excellence, and joy. Q: Why is finishing strong important? A: Finishing strong is important because it honors God, blesses others, fulfills your purpose, rewards your efforts, and secures your future. Q: Who are some examples of men who finished strong in the Bible? A: Some examples of men who finished strong in the Bible are Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David (despite his failures), Daniel (despite his trials), Paul (despite his hardships), John (despite his exile), etc. Q: How can I finish strong? A: You can finish strong by following the principles from the book Finishing Strong by Steve Farrar, such as setting realistic goals, seeking wise counsel, joining a small group, avoiding distractions and temptations, celebrating achievements, learning from failures, relying on God's grace and power, etc. Q: Where can I get the book Finishing Strong by Steve Farrar? A: You can get the book Finishing Strong by Steve Farrar from various online platforms such as Amazon.com or Christianbook.com