Better is the End of a Thing
Better is the End of a Thing
Life is a journey, and every journey has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Solomon, the wisest king, declared in Ecclesiastes 7:8, "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." This profound statement reveals a divine principle—God values the completion of a thing more than its commencement. The beginning of a journey may be filled with uncertainty, struggle, and hardship, but the end, when God is involved, always carries the mark of glory. Many people become discouraged at the sight of obstacles and setbacks, yet God is not confined to the present moment; He sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). The life of Joseph illustrates this truth—his journey began with betrayal and slavery, yet his end was one of authority and fulfillment. Likewise, Job endured great suffering, but the latter part of his life was more blessed than the former. The believer must understand that God does not measure success by how well things start but by the refinement, endurance, and faithfulness cultivated along the way.
A deeper understanding of this principle reveals that endurance is the bridge between the beginning and the glorious end. The reason many never witness the beauty of their “end” is because they abandon the process. The refining fire of trials may seem overwhelming, but they are necessary for transformation. James 1:4 states, "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." The believer's journey is one of progressive sanctification—growth, pruning, and divine preparation. When Israel left Egypt, their journey to the Promised Land was not immediate. The wilderness was not a place of punishment but of preparation. Many want to reach their destiny without process, but the refining seasons are what qualify us for the greater glory ahead. David was anointed as king in his youth, but he had to endure years of hardship before ascending the throne. The delay was not denial; it was divine orchestration to prepare him for kingship. Every believer must embrace this truth—our trials are not the end, but stepping stones to the greater purpose God has ordained.
Moreover, the ultimate fulfillment of this principle is found in Christ. His earthly ministry began in humility, as He was born in a manger and lived as a servant. His journey led to suffering and death on the cross, but His resurrection marked the greatest victory ever known. "Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). This is the blueprint for every believer—if we endure the present trials with faith, we will witness the greater glory at the end. The Christian life is not defined by temporary setbacks but by the final reward. Paul, nearing the end of his life, declared, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). The believer’s focus must always be on the end goal, not the present hardship. The promise is sure—if we remain steadfast, we will see that indeed, the end of a thing is better than the beginning.
Word Affirmation: "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." – Philippians 1:6 (KJV) (Don't just say it, mean it!)
"God does not measure success by how well we start, but by our endurance through the process and the glory revealed at the end."
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