It usually takes a lot of faith to try or start something new; it also takes sustained faith to see it through and finish well.  

I was reading the account of Jesus walking on the water in Matthew 14 yesterday, and took note of Peter’s incredible request and faith.   “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.”  Jesus told Peter to come to Him.  As Peter begin to walk on the water toward Jesus, he took his eyes off Jesus, focused on his circumstances, wavered in his faith and began to sink.  I’ve always thought about the fact that there were eleven other guys in the boat who didn’t have the faith Peter demonstrated; his faith to do something that seemed impossible was amazing.  He started well, but didn’t finish well in this situation.  However, he did do one thing well as he was sinking; he cried out “Lord, save me!” 

Peter is still one of my favorites in the New Testament; his faith story is worth studying as he had a number of ups and downs including the fact that he denied knowing Jesus just before the crucifixion.  Jesus’ meeting with Peter on the shore of the sea of Galilee after Peter’s denials and Jesus’ resurrection was an incredible meeting of grace and truth.  In the end, Peter did finish well and became one of the most courageous followers of Christ of the 1^st Century who was martyred for his faith.  He not only started well – he finished well.