Tuesday, May 1, 2001
Focus
-To God be the glory!-
It's been almost a year since I've posted on here.
"Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your word." Psalm 119:37
Have any of you see those t-shirts that have the word 'focus' written on them? The word is written in such a way that's it's blurry and difficult to read. Sometimes I wonder what the point of that shirt is. Why would someone give us a blurry target to concentrate and focus on? God doesn't do that, He gives us a clear goal. We may think that sometimes it's hard to see that goal, but that is a result of us taking our eyes off it and focusing on the things around us. There is an excellent example of that in Matthew 14:22-31.
The disciples were out in a boat on the sea, and it was very stormy out. They were busy trying to keep the ship afloat when they saw someone walking towards them. It was Jesus, but they thought He was a ghost - so naturally they were afraid. Jesus identifies Himself and then tells them not to be afraid. Peter, he's a bright guy and is always sticking his foot in his mouth, yells out to Jesus. "Lord, if it really is you then tell me to come out to you on the water." I'm thinking Jesus must have tried hard to keep from laughing as He replied, "Come." Simple invitation, 'come.' He must have thought Peter had such little faith to doubt that He was who He said He was. Peter got out of the boat and slowly started to walk on the water towards Jesus. He was looking at Jesus and didn't doubt, he was focused and HE WAS WALKING ON THE WATER! But then something happened, Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and started to look at the wind and he became afraid, and then he started to sink. He cried out for Jesus to save him, and He did, but He also asked "why did you doubt?"
Now, I know we aren't all going to have a situation exact to that of Peter's, but we all have times when our faith is in question. We'll be going fine, looking at the goal, when all of a sudden we start to focus on other things. We start to bog ourselves down with things that are fleeting. One of the New Testament authors likens our life to a race, the Race of Faith. He talks about the dangers of not being focused in Hebrews 12:1a,2.
"Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
The author gave us an example to follow - Jesus. Jesus was focused on the goal and He didn't let things such as the ridicule and shame keep Him from achieving that goal, He was tempted in every way and never gave in. We are to do the same! We need to 'throw off' the things that block our vision and make it blurry. We need to stop focusing on the things around us and focus on Christ.
What things are blurring your vision?
What sin is keeping you from making progress?
What are you focused on?
"...but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." - Philippians 3:12-13
In His Love,
-Nikky
- karen-nicole@jesusphreaks.org
- AIM: Dedicated2God83
~*~
Verse of the Day: "I have chosen the way of truth; You have set my heart on Your laws." - Psalm 119:30
Quote of the Day: "Let my name stand among those who are willing to bear ridicule and reproach for the truth's sake, and so earn some right to rejoice when the victory is won." - Louisa May Alcott
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