IT IS FINISHED – THE GRACE TO COMPLETE THE YEAR STRONG

IT IS FINISHED – THE GRACE TO COMPLETE THE YEAR STRONG

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 19:30

Key Verse: “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19:30)

Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 7:8; Philippians 1:6; Zechariah 4:9; 2 Timothy 4:7; Psalm 138:8

Description: This message unveils the grace of God that empowers believers to finish the year strong, fulfilled, and victorious, just as Christ completed His earthly assignment.

INTRODUCTION:
The closing phase of a year often comes with pressure, fatigue, and unresolved expectations. Many begin the year with enthusiasm but struggle to finish well due to distractions, discouragement, or spiritual weariness. However, Scripture teaches that the glory of life and destiny is not merely in starting, but in finishing.

When Jesus declared, “It is finished,” He announced the successful completion of His divine assignment. Nothing was left undone. That same grace that empowered Christ to complete His mission is available to believers today. God does not abandon His people midway; He supplies grace for strong endings.

Completing the year strong is not by human strength alone, but by divine enablement. This message reveals how God releases finishing grace to ensure that His purposes for your life this year are brought to completion.

1. FINISHING STRONG IS GOD’S WILL FOR HIS PEOPLE
God is more interested in how a season ends than how it begins.

a) God values strong endings (Ecclesiastes 7:8). The end of a matter is better than the beginning.

b) God completes what He starts (Philippians 1:6). He does not abandon His works halfway.

c) God empowers believers to finish (Zechariah 4:9). The same hand that begins also completes.

d) God crowns perseverance with reward (James 1:12). Endurance attracts divine approval.

Biblical Example: Noah finished the ark exactly as God commanded and entered into divine rest and preservation (Genesis 6:22; 7:1).

2. THE DECLARATION “IT IS FINISHED” RELEASES COMPLETION POWER
Christ’s declaration was a proclamation of victory, not defeat.

a) It declared victory over sin (Colossians 2:14-15). The power of sin was fully defeated.

b) It marked the fulfilment of prophecy (Luke 24:44). Every word spoken concerning Him was accomplished.

c) It announced the end of suffering (Isaiah 53:5). Redemption was fully paid for.

d) It released rest after labour (Hebrews 4:10). Completion brings divine rest.

Biblical Example: Elijah completed his prophetic assignment and was taken by God in glory (2 Kings 2:9-11).

3. THE GRACE TO COMPLETE THE YEAR STRONG
Finishing strong requires supernatural grace beyond human effort.

a) Grace supplies strength in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). God’s power is perfected in weakness.

b) Grace sustains focus to the end (Hebrews 12:2). Looking unto Jesus prevents distraction.

c) Grace restores what seems unfinished (Joel 2:25). God redeems lost opportunities.

d) Grace overcomes end-time weariness (Isaiah 40:31). Those who wait on the Lord renew strength.

Biblical Example: Paul finished his race with confidence because grace sustained him (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

4. POSITIONING YOURSELF FOR A STRONG FINISH
Believers must cooperate with divine grace to finish well.

a) Maintain spiritual alignment (Proverbs 3:5-6). Trusting God ensures proper direction.

b) Let go of distractions and regrets (Philippians 3:13). Forward focus strengthens finishing power.

c) Engage prayerfully till the end (Luke 18:1). Consistent prayer prevents fainting.

d) Declare completion by faith (Mark 11:23). Faith-filled words activate divine response.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah refused distraction and completed the wall despite opposition (Nehemiah 6:3,15).

CONCLUSION:
“It is finished” is not only a statement of Christ’s victory; it is a prophetic declaration for believers. God has released grace for you to complete this year strong, fulfilled, and victorious. No assignment is permitted to end in frustration when divine grace is at work.

As this year draws to a close, refuse weakness, delay, and discouragement. Receive the grace to finish well, knowing that God will perfect everything that concerns you.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, thank You for the grace that has sustained me this year.

2. Lord, release fresh strength for a strong finish.

3. Father, help me complete every divine assignment.

4. Lord, remove every form of weariness and discouragement.

5. Father, restore every unfinished blessing.

6. Lord, help me focus till the very end.

7. Father, let nothing abort Your plans for my life.

8. Lord, empower me to finish well and strong.

9. Father, perfect everything that concerns me.

10. Lord, crown this year with testimonies for me.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. You shall finish this year strong by divine grace.

2. Every unfinished assignment shall be completed.

3. Weariness shall not overpower you.

4. The grace to complete is released upon you.

5. You shall not end this year in regret.

6. God shall perfect all that concerns you.

7. You will testify of divine help before the year ends.

8. No opposition shall stop your progress.

9. You shall end this year fulfilled and grateful.

10. By the power of God, you shall declare, “It is finished,” in victory, in Jesus’ name.