” Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
I will be honest it can be so easy to take your eyes away from what’s going on in your life to get a peep at what your neighbour is doing for themselves. Yet in doing so you can fall into the trap of comparing yourself and your circumstances to their own. Doesn’t sound super bad right? Well you can do either one of two things when these thoughts start crossing your mind. You can either
OR
2. Re-assign your focus towards Jesus because He is the pioneer and perfecter of your faith
Its safe to say that I would rather focus on Jesus and progress in running MY race then be stagnant by taking my eyes away from the finish line.
Why do I say this? Because I have been there way too many times. There have been seasons where I look around me and see my peers all doing leaps and bounds whether it be in their academics or with their creative ability. I look at their achievements in awe and say “I wanna do that too”. Yet there have been times where instead of me feeling motivated to better for myself I allow negative thoughts to creep in and almost take over saying “Why can’t I do that?” “Where did I go wrong?” “Am I even good enough to get to such a position”. I will put my hands up and say that if it wasn’t for me stumbling upon Hebrews 12:1-2 I could have allowed those negative thoughts to fester into jealousy when in actual fact I can be active with my current shortcomings and use it as an opportunity to get better! Some of these great things that your neighbour is doing guess what I am sure it didn’t happen overnight. I bet it took blood, sweat and tears for them to even see half of their vision come to fruition. Here is another thing, the living God that I serve is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all I could ever ask for or think of according to His power within me (Ephesians 3:20). So what am I getting at? The fact that someone’s current circumstance that looks all rosy and pretty to you can literally just be scratching on the surface to the amazing things God has in store for them. Now let’s take this back to you!
Knowing that God is able to do the IMPOSSIBLE and guide me through any type of season I may face, why would I want to take my eyes and focus away from Him? In fact, this simple fact alone urges me to go deeper into the word and get intentional in how I can abide in His presence daily.
On that note, I want whoever reads this to remember and hold onto that no matter how things are looking, no matter how tired you are please HOLD ON! Keep your eyes FIXED on God whilst running your race of life and destiny and I hope to see you at the finish line!!
Lord
May we never take our eyes away from you and all that you have done, are doing and getting ready to do. May we come to truly understand what it means for us to not worry and be anxious; and also for us not to fret about what others may be doing. We want to be filled by you oh Lord in every area and aspect of our life and whole being. Lord, we thank you for your steadfast love and its unwavering nature that it will last always and will be enough to get us to through the race you have planned for us.
In Jesus name I pray
Amen
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