FOCUS

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:2

Athletes train hard for a perishable crown; Christians discipline themselves for an eternal one, keeping their eyes on Jesus.  Our Christian walk has far greater value, we are reminded that in order to run the race successfully we need to keep our eyes on Jesus. He is the Champion who has already run the race and completed successfully!  The priests in the Old Testament while serving in the Tabernacle never sat down because their work was continuous.  But we know that Jesus after enduring the cross disregarding its shame is now seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

To be successful in a race one requires to strip off everything that would slow them  down in order to win. This analogy teaches us to stay away from sin and focus on God as we walk in obedience. The Holy Spirit, our teacher will enable us to live the life that brings glory to God. The Bible encourages us to run with endurance and not quit even when seasons change.  Trusting God for wisdom as we read the Bible and listening enables us to go through hard times in God’s strength.  At times we might need to do a reset whatever the situation may be.

The Holy Spirit can lead us in and out of every circumstance by tugging on our spirits and speaking to our hearts.  But with faith in God no matter how winding the path may appear to be we remain confident in Him because He does not make mistakes.  Our own natural understanding may be insufficient, flawed and limited.  In our humanity at times, our morals and desires may not be perfectly aligned with God’s but the invitation remains to remain focused on Jesus!

We are invited to commit ourselves to finishing what we have begun, remembering this: The race of life is not a quick sprint but a long-distance run.  So let’s run well this year, and every year after! This race began the moment you and I believed in Jesus Christ.  Some of us are just beginning, while others have been running for quite a while.

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 9:24 that “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” The best part is that the invitation is to everyone who is willing to join in by choice and then be focused!

Take time to listen, pray your response to the Lord personally, meaningfully and genuinely!

Reflect:

Identify and release anything that slows you down. Challenges are inevitable, we can push through weakness and the difficult stages with Jesus, our Champion knowing that these struggles will end.