WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2025
[THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR]
FINISH STRONG AND STAY THE COURSE
BASIC SCRIPTURES: COLOSSIANS 4:14; 2 TIMOTHY 4:1-10
I. THE ANATOMY OF THE FALL: A MATTER OF CHOICE
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we must confront a fundamental truth of the human experience: All men fall. Throughout 2025, you may have experienced moments of spiritual stumbling, financial setbacks, or emotional exhaustion. The devil may have landed a blow that left you on your back, staring at the ceiling of your circumstances.
However, the distinction between a casualty and a conqueror is not the absence of a fall; it is the presence of a decision. Great men are not those who never fall; they are simply those who choose to get back up. Getting back up is not a matter of how strong your muscles are or how much willpower you possess in your natural flesh. It is a matter of choice. It takes a calculated, spirit-led decision to say, “I may have been knocked down, but I am not knocked out.”
Thank God you saw the last day of 2025! By the grace of the Almighty, you shall see 2026! But as you cross that line, you must resolve that no matter how many times the adversary attempts to derail you, you will continue in this race of life. The best years of your life are not behind you; they are still ahead! Refuse to call it quits. Choose to run, and run, and run again until you reach the finish line.
II. THE TRAGEDY OF DEMAS: THE SILENT CREEP OF DISTRACTION
In the scriptures, we find two mentions of a man named Demas that should serve as a sobering warning to every believer.
The Fellow Labourer: In Philemon 1:23, Paul refers to him as “Demas, my fellowlabourer.” He was in the inner circle. He was touching lives, supporting the apostolic ministry, and witnessing the miraculous. He started well.
The Deserter: By the time Paul writes his final letter in 2 Timothy 4:10, the report has changed drastically: “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world.
How does a “fellow labourer” become a “deserter”?
Distraction does not happen in a single day. It is a gradual erosion. It starts with a small compromise—a slight cooling of the heart, a minor fascination with the “charms” of this present world, and a slow drifting away from the fire of the Holy Ghost. Demas didn’t wake up one morning and decide to hate God; he simply started loving the “now” more than the “eternal.”
III. THE WIGGLESWORTH PERSPECTIVE: BEYOND EXTERNAL RULES
The legendary “Apostle of Faith,” Smith Wigglesworth, understood the subtle nature of spiritual decay. He often remarked on the difference between “technical obedience” and “spiritual fellowship.”
Hear the wisdom of Wigglesworth:
“Many Christians think that they are obedient because they do not overtly sin by disobeying the rules – the do’s and don’ts. But this is not all there is to it. We must realize that God, the Holy Spirit, is ever waiting to draw us away from the distractions and sinfulness of our surroundings just to bring us into fellowship with Him.”
Wigglesworth’s life was a testament to finishing strong. He lived a life of radical, uncompromising faith because he refused to allow the “surroundings” to dictate his spiritual temperature. He understood that the Holy Spirit is constantly inviting us into a deeper intimacy that acts as a shield against the distractions that destroyed Demas.
No matter how strong you think you are, the devil is going to do his worst in 2026 to distract you and pull you away from God’s best. He will use “good” things to keep you from the “God” thing. He will use the pressures of the world to make you “weary in well-doing.”
Refuse to yield! Grace is your portion. You have the spiritual DNA of a finisher.
IV. THE FINISHER’S CREED FOR 2026
As you prepare for the crossover, adopt these three pillars of “Finishing Strong”:
Aggressive Resilience: Decide today that no setback in 2026 will be permanent. If you fall seven times, you will rise eight.
Deliberate Focus: Like Paul, say, “This one thing I do.” Refuse the “present world” allure that distracted Demas. Keep your eyes on the Prize.
Holy Ghost Fellowship: Don’t just follow “do’s and don’ts.” Pursue the person of the Holy Spirit. Let Him draw you away from the noise of the world into the secret place.
Grace is yours, and you can finish this RACE on a note of victory! Refuse to quit! KEEP GOING!
PRAYER POINTS
Song 2: It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul…
Personal Revival: Father, as this year ends, let a fresh wave of revival sweep through my life and my family. Burn away every trace of “Demas-like” distraction in my heart.
Strengthening: Lord, renew my strength for the work ahead. I refuse to be weary. I receive fresh oil for the race of 2026.
Divine Signature: Father God, in 2026, do a NEW THING! Let Your signature and Your glory be clearly seen in my life, my career, and my ministry.
The Crossover Decree: I speak over the remaining hours of today. I cancel every end-of-year weeping, tragedy, or sorrow. I cross over with joy and shouting!
Unshakable Foundation: I decree that my foundation is the Rock of Ages. I shall not be moved by the storms of the coming year.
EXTRA READING: 2 Timothy 4; Psalm 27
MEMORY VERSE: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
Stay blessed and cross over into 2026 with Fire!
