Finish What You Start: The Art of Tenacity
Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Yet too often, we begin with a burst of enthusiasm only to falter when the road gets rough. Dreams fade, projects stall, and promises linger unfulfilled. But there’s a divine strength within you—a tenacity rooted in faith—that can carry you across the finish line. The Bible is filled with stories of men and women who pressed on, defying odds, to complete what God called them to do.
You will never have an excellent life with 80% effort.
Today, I want to inspire you with five biblical principles for mastering the art of tenacity and finishing what you start.
1. Begin with the End in Mind
Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Before you take a single step, fix your eyes on the prize. Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls because he saw beyond the rubble to a restored city. When distractions came—mockery, threats, exhaustion—he stayed focused. Tenacity starts with vision.
Vision is the portrait to pursue. Purpose is the reason to pursue it. What’s the “why” behind your goal? Anchor it in God’s will, and let that end goal pull you forward, even when the middle gets messy.
2. Embrace the Grind
Galatians 6:9 urges, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Paul knew perseverance isn’t glamorous—it’s gritty. Noah didn’t build the ark in a weekend; he hammered away for decades while skeptics jeered. The grind tests your character, but it’s where faith grows. Every swing of the hammer, every small step, builds not just the outcome but the man you’re becoming.
Don’t despise the process; embrace it as holy work.
If you consider your work merely secular, it will not have intrinsic value. However, if you believe your work has eternal value, you will embrace the grind to get it done.
3. Overcome the Quitter’s Temptation
Jesus said in Luke 9:62, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” The temptation to quit often strikes when progress slows or pain mounts. Elijah ran from Jezebel after a monumental victory, ready to abandon his calling (1 Kings 19). But God met him in his weakness, refreshed him, and sent him back to finish the task. When you feel like giving up, turn to God. He doesn’t just cheer you on—He equips you to keep going.
4. Lean on Divine Strength
Philippians 1:6 promises, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” You’re not alone in this race. Moses led Israel out of Egypt, but he didn’t part the Red Sea—God did. Your tenacity isn’t about willpower; it’s about surrender. When your strength falters, tap into His. Prayer isn’t a last resort; it’s your lifeline. The moment you feel overwhelmed, pause and ask, “Lord, carry me through.” He will.
5. Celebrate the Finish Line
Ecclesiastes 7:8 declares, “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” Crossing the finish line isn’t just about the task—it’s about the triumph of faithfulness. David didn’t stop at slaying Goliath; he pursued God’s call to kingship through years of trials. When you finish, celebrate! Not out of arrogance, but gratitude. Every completed work is a testimony to God’s grace and your grit. It fuels you for the next race.
Tenacity isn’t a gift some are born with—it’s a choice forged in the fire of discipline and faith. The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat it: finishing is hard. But it’s worth it. Think of Jesus Himself. He didn’t abandon the cross when the weight crushed Him. He pressed on, declaring, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Because He finished, you can too.
What have you started that’s still undone? A dream buried under doubt? A promise stalled by fear? Today, reignite that spark. The world needs men who finish—men who reflect the steadfastness of their Creator. You’re not called to be perfect; you’re called to be persistent.
Action Step: Take the 45-Day Challenge
Ready to master the art of tenacity? Join the 45-Day Challenge at FivestarMan.com. Over the next 45 days, commit to finishing one thing you’ve started—big or small. Lean on these principles, seek God daily, and watch how He transforms you into a man who runs his race to the end. Start today. Your finish line awaits.
Neil Kennedy is the founder of FivestarMan, a movement dedicated to inspiring men to live with purpose, strength, and tenacity.
