In a world of distraction, keeping your eyes on Jesus every day is not optional.
In crisis, you may see first responders or have been a part of a situation that requires the survivor being saved to keep their eyes on their rescuer. If a survivor is being pulled out of a burning building or a wrecked car, it’s important to keep the survivor calm with their eyes on the professional giving the instructions so that they do not get overwhelmed with the situation and start to panic. If the survivor panics, there is a good chance they will not follow the instructions that keeps them alive. The survivor is not oblivious to the danger; however, they don’t let the danger overwhelm them when they are focused on escaping it.
As Christians we are called in Hebrews to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we run the Christian race.
“Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:1-2a).
If the writer of Hebrews is talking to Christians, should not it be obvious that Jesus is our focus? Well, not necessarily. We are easily distracted by the cares of this world, and when problems arise or crisis hits, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the situation.
Having our eyes fixed on Jesus during the good times will build our foundation on the rock of our salvation. Having our eyes fixed on Jesus during the bad times will allow us to find peace and hope when the world around us is stealing both of those things.
Jesus called Peter out of the boat to walk on water, and everything was fine until Peter took his eyes off Jesus. He focused on the wind and the waves instead of the Lord. It is much easier to focus on Jesus when things are going well and we have food, good health and blessings.
Having discernment in our decisions requires us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Decisions are easier and aligned with the will of God and the truth of the Bible when we don’t lose sight of this simple, yet not to be overlooked, fact in the Christian race. You will not make great decisions that honor God when your eyes are not fixed on Jesus and His Word.
The second season of the Everyday Discernment Podcast on Charisma Podcast Network will focus on practical strategies for keeping our eyes on Jesus every day. You can hear the trailer for the second season now. My first episode is with my guest Corey Russell and will be available July 5th. {eoa}
Tim Ferrara has grown up in the church and has held various leadership positions both in business and in the church. Tim is currently the executive pastor at LifePoint Church in Arizona. He has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Arizona State University along with a MBA from University of Phoenix. He has had a career in business management for over 20 years and has worked as faculty for two different colleges.
Tim started the ministry of Discerning Dad as a way to write and encourage Christians to grow in discernment and make better decisions that honor God. He has a book called Everyday Discernment: The Importance of Spirit-Led Decision Making as well as multiple YouVersion Bible Plans. Tim also hosts a podcast called Everyday Discernment, which is a top-ranked Christian podcast on Charisma Podcast Network and Edifi Podcast Networks. Tim lives with his wife, Jamie, and their two children in Arizona.
Read articles like this one and other Spirit-led content in our new platform, CHARISMA PLUS.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.