Stay Focused

"Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:3, NIV

When you start to get discouraged or overwhelmed in life, think about Jesus.

The verse previous to today’s may help. “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.” (Hebrews 12:2) I think the verse, combined with today’s, reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus when life throws things at us that we can’t understand.

In the fast paced world in which we live, it is easy to grow weary. I often wonder on Sunday night where my weekend went. Then, before it seems Monday is over, we are beginning another weekend. Life is just passing by so quickly. There are so many things I wish I could be doing, but where does the time go? In the midst of all the “stuff” of life, I often feel I am actually accomplishing nothing.

I wonder if Jesus ever got to feeling that way. I think of the times His disciples let Him down; when they just didn’t “get it.” I think about times when He was surrounded by thousands of people, all wanting His attention, and yet He was being closely scrutinized by the Jewish leaders and the Roman officials. I’m sure, in His humanity, there often did not seem to be “enough hours in a day.” I wonder if He got discouraged.

Then, I realize that Jesus knew His goal. He knew why He was here and He knew that one day His Father would make known to Him the timing. He wasn’t focused on time, He was focused on eternity. He wasn’t focused on the process, but on the overall program. He was focused on the Father, and on doing the Father’s will, not on the problems at hand. Jesus didn’t escape the work. He worked very hard, but He had a proper focus.

Are the pressures of life overwhelming you? Step back, take your eyes off the situation, and look towards the prize. Stay focused on Heaven and your Redeemer. Keep your eyes on Jesus!