Precious Moments That Count For EternitySample

Stay Focused on Jesus

In a race, athletes ensure that they run in their track and stay focused on the finish line. They know that seconds can be lost if they shift their gaze onto their competitors.
The writer to the Jewish Christians here is comparing our lives to a race that is set before us. God has marked out a track for each of us. Keeping in mind our ability, strength and pace, He has determined how far and long we should run, the obstacles we would face, and even the prize that we will receive.
We are told to run with endurance and look to Jesus. Have there been times in your Christian life where you have become weary and wanted to give up? What caused you to become discouraged and feel hopeless? Did you for an instant take your gaze off Jesus, and begin to look around and compare yourself with others running their race?
We are told to look to Jesus as we run our race in life because He is the perfect and most encouraging example. Jesus knew His main purpose for coming to earth was to be the sacrificial lamb for the sins of the whole world. This did not deter Him from loving, teaching, ministering and healing those whom He knew would one day crucify Him. He focused on the joy of having a pure, spotless, blameless and blood-washed bride, one day.
If you have become discouraged and have strayed away from your race track for whatever reason, then you are not reading this by accident. You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, cheering you on. Rise up, dust off all discouragement, despair and hopelessness and run with perseverance, looking to Jesus who is the author and finisher of your faith.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that I have become weary in my Christian life. Please forgive me and help me to get my focus back on Your perfect plans and purposes for my life. Today, with Your help, I will run my race with endurance, looking to Jesus who will perfect everything that concerns me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.