When we shift our focus away from Christ and put it on our circumstances, we miss much of what God is doing in our lives. We lose focus. We lose peace. We lose hope. Like Eeyore, Winnie the Pooh’s gloomy friend, we have a tendency to imagine that we are “grinning and bearing it,” forcing a smile, when we are actually greeting others with a miserable and mournful countenance.
But this is not for you! When the storm winds are blowing, keep your focus on your Savior. When the waves of challenge are washing over you, keep your focus on your Christ. When Peter got out of the boat and was walking across the water, all was well . . . as long as he kept his focus on Jesus. But as soon as he shifted his focus to the winds and the waves, he began to sink. The same is true for all of us. Sinking is a certainty when we allow what is going on around us to determine what is going on within us. The author of Hebrews gives us the prescription to make sure we are Eeyore no more:
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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith . . . (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Jesus promised we would have trouble in this world. Life is chock full of challenging circumstances, and if we focus on what is going on around us, soon what is going on within us will be marked by worry, fear, and doubt. We will begin to sink. When that happens — and at times it will, no matter how committed we are to focusing on Jesus — let us remember what Peter did. He cried out to Jesus, “Lord, save me!” And that is exactly what Jesus did.
So do not fear, for I am with you;do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 