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Refocus

Often when you hear about someone who began a successful business, ministry, nonprofit, etc., you will hear an underlying theme: They saw or experienced a need, and instead of despairing over that need, they refocused their time and energy on meeting the need, not only for themselves but for others as well. Most people who lobby to change a law to benefit a certain group of people are in some way, shape, or form linked to someone who will benefit from the change. Most people who begin nonprofits for special needs children have or know a child with special needs. Often people who start a ministry ministering to those recovering from abuse were either abused themselves or know someone who was. What is the difference between these visionaries and the rest of us? Their focus.

Instead of focusing on the problem, they acknowledge the problem but focus on a solution. They are driven by a desperation to meet a need that God has placed on their hearts. While we don’t all have the time and the means to start a ministry, are we able to shift our focus from what is wrong to what is right? Can we refocus our worries, focusing instead on lifting our prayers to a God Who sees and knows all? Can we refocus our despair and instead focus on how we can give of our time or money to assist organizations that are meeting a particular need?

Philippians 4:8-9 says, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you” (NLT). If we shift our focus from our circumstances to His Character, in exchange we will receive Peace that passes understanding, a great exchange!

Reflect: Are there circumstances in your life that get too much of your attention?

Respond: How can you shift your focus from the problem to a possible solution?

Repent: Turn away from the habit of focusing on your circumstances and look for ways to be part of the solution, even if that only involves prayer.

Resolve: Switch your focus from the problem to the solution. Take some steps towards helping others who deal with the same problem as you lift them up in prayer.