Looking Unto Jesus

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:1,2 (New King James Version)

What I focus on and turn my attention toward will determine how well I do at laying aside weights and sins that can ensnare me and also how well I run with endurance. There are times when my eyes turn toward things that distract me from making Jesus my focal point. Sometimes, it can be looking to others to give me what only God can give me. Sometimes, it can be the hurts and disappointments of life. Last night it was questions about myself that seemed to disturb me beyond words.

Although Romans 8:1 assures me I am not under condemnation, the condemnation was present. This time the area in question had to do with authenticity. Was I genuinely living out my Christian life as a unique individual or was I simply patterning the life of others? Did I know God through His Word and life experiences or was I trying to get Him to be and mean to me what He was to others? The questions shook me to my core and it did not take long for fear and tears to consume me. Once again, my eyes turned inward instead of upward! They centered on me and what I was and wasn’t doing, rather than on Jesus and His work in me.

I had to begin clinging to vital truths. God is authentic and involved in my life. I cannot trust myself but I can trust Him. I can rely upon Him to reveal Himself to me in specific ways even in the midst of my uncertainties. I can trust Him to show me what is at the root of my insecurities and fears. I am limited, He is limitless. I am human, He is God! I fail, He fulfills.

This morning, I look to Him and at Him for all that eluded me in the evening hours of last night….peace, contentment, stability, direction, genuineness, love, laughter, and joy! It is not about what I can manufacture on my own. It is not even about what I allow Him to do. It is about knowing that He is doing His work in me continuously. It is about turning my eyes away from other things and fixing them on Jesus. Completely on Jesus. Where I am shaky, He is steady and supportive. Where I am lacking, He is abundant. Where I am in need, He is there.

Father, the intrusive thoughts leave only at the touch of Your hand, sound of Your voice, and light of Your presence. I choose to fix my eyes on You and relax under Your ever present gaze upon me. Amen.

WARRIOR IS A CHILD/ DO I TRUST YOU? ~ Twila Parishttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pzu-jWpcdw

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16