I work in the early childhood field, and we tell teachers frequently, “What you focus on you get more of.” What we are trying to convey is if you focus on a negative behavior, you will get more of it. If you focus on the positive, you will see more behaviors that are positive. The same is true as we navigate life. So, what are you focusing on? Are your eyes fixed on the news reports? On social media? On the government? Or even on church leaders? Have you set your gaze on Jesus? If you want to walk in peace and victory and fulfill your destiny, making a lasting impact on others, then your eyes have to be set on Jesus at all times.
Jesus is Our Example
In Hebrews 12, we are given the instructions to keep our eyes on Him. We have a race to run, and we need to run with endurance.
The only way we will be able to finish our race with victory, peace, and purpose is to keep our eyes on the one who has the plan.
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! Hebrews 12:1-3 Message
How Did Jesus Keep His Focus?
He spent time alone with the Father. He made deliberate choices to get away from the crowds and even His closest friends to spend time with His Father and seek His will.
After ministry, Jesus went to the mountainside alone to pray (Matthew 12:23)
While preparing to go to the cross, he went away, and He prayed Father, not my will, but yours
be done. (Matthew 26:36-42)
If you want to walk in peace and victory and fulfill your destiny, making a lasting impact on others, then your eyes have to be set on Jesus at all times.
Jesus spent the night praying before choosing the disciples. (Luke 6:12-16)
He often withdrew to lonely places to pray. (Luke 5:16)
Jesus only did what he saw and heard the Father say.
So Jesus answered them by saying, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself [of His own accord], unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever things the Father does, the Son [in His turn] also does in the same way. John 5:19 Amplified.
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
It is hard to talk about keeping our eyes on Jesus without mentioning Peter. Do you remember what happened when Jesus came walking on water towards the disciples? They were terrified. Peter said, Lord, if it is really you tell me to come to you on the water. Jesus says, come. Peter steps out of the boat and walks on water towards Jesus. Only when he took his eyes off Jesus and saw the wind did he become afraid and begin to sink. The great news is that even as he was sinking, he called out to Jesus. Jesus was immediately there, reaching out His hand to save Him. (Matthew 14:22-31) You can choose to re-focus your eyes on Jesus even when you feel like you are going to go under.
How do we keep our eye on Jesus – we follow His example.
- Spend time with the Lord
- Be careful what we let in (Guard our eyes, ears, and heart) Stay informed, but don’t let information from media etc. consume you. Remember the children’s song we use to sing
O be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little ears what your hear
O be careful little tongue what you say
O be careful little hands what you do
O be careful little feet where you go
O be careful little heart who you trust
O be careful little mind what you think
Are you singing that tune now? Such a great reminder.
- Do what you hear the Father say, and don’t worry about what others think. (Remember, His instructions will never go against His written Word.)
The choice is yours. What will you keep your focus on? If you choose to spend more time listening to the news, scrolling social media, or even searching others’ opinions than you do praying and reading His Word, you will see all the chaos, confusion, fear, division, and you will likely not be at peace. I challenge you to spend time reading the Bible, worshipping our Lord, and seeking His face. Then, you will experience the peace the passes all understanding. You will have direction. You will not have to worry about what others think. You will be able to be strong and courageous.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and will bring you back from captivity. Jeremiah 29:13-14 NIV.
Written by Collette Sawyer
