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The Finish Matters More Than the Start

In the 1968 Olympic marathon in Mexico City, a Tanzanian runner named John Stephen Akhwari started the race like every other competitor. But somewhere along the course, he fell badly — dislocating his knee and badly injuring his shoulder. He could’ve quit. Most would have. But hours after the winners had finished and the crowd had mostly gone home, Akhwari entered the stadium — limping, bloodied, and determined.

The few spectators left rose to their feet as he hobbled across the finish line.

When asked why he didn’t quit, Akhwari famously replied:
“My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race. They sent me 5,000 miles to finish it.”

That’s perseverance. And that’s what Peter is calling us to build.

Staying Power That Honors God

The Greek word for perseverance (hypomonē) means steadfast endurance under pressure. Not passive waiting — but courageous, active, gritty resolve. It’s the man who keeps showing up even when it’s hard. Even when he’s tired. Even when he’s wounded.

This virtue builds on the previous ones:

• Faith anchors you.
• Goodness shapes your integrity.
• Knowledge sharpens your decisions.
• Self-control trains your impulses.
• And now — perseverance toughens your soul.

At Work: When Quitting Seems Easier

Perseverance at work shows up when:

• The project falls apart… and you rebuild it.
• Your boss doesn’t notice… and you stay faithful.
• The promotion doesn’t come… and you keep growing.
• You’ve lost motivation… but not your calling.

Men who finish well in business — and in life — are not always the smartest or most gifted. They’re the ones who don’t flinch when things get heavy. They know their why. They know who they serve.

As Patrick Lencioni often says, "Success is not about avoiding hardship. It’s about being willing to endure it for the right things."

Akhwari’s Finish Is a Mirror for Ours

When John Stephen Akhwari limped into the Olympic stadium, there was no medal waiting. No TV deal. No national parade. Just a man who knew what it meant to finish what he started — with resolve, honor, and pain in every step.

That’s the kind of spiritual perseverance Peter is talking about. This world needs men who keep their promises. Who keep showing up. Who keep leading their families, investing in others, and obeying God — even when it costs something.

Finish Lines Are Not Solo Events

The path of perseverance is not meant to be walked alone. You need men who’ll run beside you, pace you, pick you up when you fall. Every man limps at some point — but not every man finishes. The difference? Brothers who don’t let you quit.

Your band of brothers reminds you who you are, what you’re made for, and why it matters that you keep going.

Perseverance is not about perfect strength — it’s about gritty faithfulness over time. God isn’t looking for men who start strong. He’s looking for men who finish well.

Challenge Questions:

• Where have you been tempted to quit — in your faith, family, or calling?
• What would it look like to stay faithful this week, even if the outcome is still unclear?
• Who in your life helps you keep going when you're weary?

Prayer:

“God, I want to be a man who finishes. Strengthen me when I’m tempted to give up. Help me stay faithful to the race You’ve marked out for me — not just for my sake, but for the sake of those who follow. And thank You for the brothers who help me keep going. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Today’s “Rep”:

Identify an area in your life where you’ve stalled out — and take one step forward. Tell a brother. Ask for his prayer and encouragement. Then get back in the fight.