Years ago, I wrote a book entitled, “It’s Not Where You Start, but Where You Finish that Counts.” This book was really an account of my life. I was open and transparent about my beginnings, and I tried my best to make it clear that God can turn your life around no matter where you start, just as He did for me. The book is still available, and anyone who would like to purchase it may do so. I have discovered that many people are like myself in that they did not have a good beginning. Some things that we have done were probably not pleasing unto God. But God stepped in, turned us around, and placed our feet on solid ground! It does not matter where you start. It does not matter your situation, there is no circumstance that God cannot change. He will give you a brand-new life!  In Philippians 3:13, we find these words:

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”

Paul is pressing toward the mark of the High Calling of Christ Jesus. He says, “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” He looked back over his life and realized the changes that are taking place. The experience on the road to Damascus made a radical change in his life and he kept on pushing towards the mark. He wants his fellow believers to know that he is grateful for God using him in spite of all that he has done, and to always push towards the mark. Prayerfully, you are striving every day to please God. Know that God is with you, and He will give you the strength you need to endure this Christian journey. And always remember — It’s not where you start, but where you finish that counts!