As you step out today, here’s a reminder of God’s word to you from Hebrews 12:2 [AMP].
“Looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author(leader) and Perfecter (source) of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].”
Today’s Bible verse provides to us as believers a guide or format that we should follow and apply to our lives to stay focused and to keep our eyes on the prize regardless of the circumstances that might try to distract us.
This scripture also encourages us not to be distracted but to keep our eyes on Jesus as the source of our faith in the pursuit of God’s purpose for our lives.
The New Testament shares the account of Jesus while he was on earth and the many trials, tribulations, and persecution that he faced right up to being crucified on the cross. ( But we know from scriptures that this was God’s plan for Jesus as stated in Isaiah 53:1-12 but the devil did not know this and he thought he had victory because he had gotten rid of Christ).
1Corinthians 2:8(AMP) says,
“None of the rulers of this age recognized and understood this wisdom; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;”
Some of the trials and persecution Jesus faced included false accusations, denial, being misunderstood, slander, being spat on, being spoken ill of, betrayal, dishonored, doubted etc. But in spite of all the shame, pain, and persecution that Jesus went through, the Bible tells us that he endured because he had in focus, God’s ultimate plan ( to save humanity from sin through the death of the cross).
God has an ultimate plan for you too as stated in Jeremiah 29:11 but again just like Jesus, all hell will break loose against you in the fulfillment of God’s purpose for your life. But you must not give in or get distracted because this is what the devil wants, to derail you, get you off track and to keep you off God’s plan for you.
Joseph in the Bible also faced betrayal from his brothers ( read Genesis 37-47) even though Joseph did not know it at the time, but the persecution he faced both from his brothers (Genesis 37) and from Potiphar (Genesis 39) was culminating towards God’s ultimate plan to save a generation of people.
Today, just like Jesus and Joseph, you might be facing all sorts of persecution, betrayal ( even from loved ones or people you trusted), hardship, false accusations, being misunderstood, dishonored, disrespected etc. and you feel overwhelmed with all that you are going through.
Don’t lose hope and Don’t get distracted.
You might even be at the point where you just feel like giving up and giving in to these pressures and just letting go of God’s promise, God’s plan for you the and the dream God’s has put in your heart.
Don’t lose hope and Don’t get distracted.
That plan, promise or dream could be a business idea, getting back into a new career path, starting a business, starting a family, a ministry to help the less privileged, to have a foundation, restoration of a broken relationship, marriage, children, family, the list goes on an on.
Don’t lose hope and Don’t get distracted.
Therefore, as you go about your daily business and activities today, regardless of whatever pressure life is throwing at you now. Whether it’s being out of a job, threatened with homelessness, financial difficulties, health situation, difficult child (ren), going through divorce, separation, etc. don’t lose focus of God’s promise to you.
Like today’s Bible verse admonishes, choose to look away from everything trying to distract you and intentionally make up your mind to focus on Jesus, your Lord, and Savior, the leader, author, finisher, and perfecter of your faith who despised every shame because of the joy that was set before him.
Don’t ‘t forget God’s promise to you from 1Corinthians 2:8(AMP).
”but just as it is written [in Scripture], Things which the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, who obey Him, and who gratefully recognize the benefits that He has bestowed].”
Do have a blessed and fruitful day.
God bless you.
