What Are You Looking At?

Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.

Hebrews 12:2 THE MESSAGE

Drivers keep their eyes on the road. Lifeguards keep their eyes focused on the water. Babysitters keep their eyes on the children. What do you keep your eyes focused on in your day-to-day life?

In Hebrews, God calls us to keep our eyes on Jesus. Yes, easier said than done. Life’s hardships can loom large and block our vision of everything else. I am grateful that, even during the most difficult seasons, the Spirit has prompted me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. Doing that has helped me to believe that God was using those tough times to make me more like Jesus. I learned to embrace the season—sometimes a little unwillingly, but at least to some degree!—rather than resist it or try to somehow avoid it.

I haven’t been perfect at this. At times, I’ve chosen to focus on the pain, the frustration, or the challenge instead of on Jesus. But let me assure you, nothing good came out of camping on the hurt or the situation. Trust me, it’s so much better to keep your eyes on Jesus regardless of the circumstances—and watch Him perfect your faith.

Spirit, please teach me to keep my eyes on Jesus when life is calm so that it’s a good habit by the time the storms come. Thank You for perfecting my faith day by day.