Forward Focus

I’ve learned over the years that when you pray and asked for God’s leading it’s important to watch what God does next. Does He give a bible verse that provides direction? Does a door open or close on an opportunity? Does He give you peace of mind and a clear purpose? When I prayed for His leading on goal setting several things began to come together and I knew what I was to do.

Now with the goals set the next step is to keep my focus on achieving them. One of the verses that I was given is Philippians 3:12-14, “I don’t mean to say I am perfect. I haven’t learned all I should even yet, but I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be.

 No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,  I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us.”

This verse speaks about a forward focus and not getting distracted by the past or those things around us. It’s about keeping our eye on the prize and that prize is Jesus. I especially love the part about finally being all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be. That is a lifetime goal and with Christ’s help it is achievable.

I enjoy the running analogies because this life is so much like a race. There are other verses in the bible that speak of the Christian race that we run. Hebrews 12: 1-2 reads, “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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author 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.”

With our eyes fixed on Jesus we will have a forward focus on the future that He has planned for us. He will give us the perseverance we will need to run the race in such a way as to receive the prize…..and that prize is a personal relationship with Him.

Focus on the prize! Focus on the finish line where we will hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

My Prayer

Father, I thank you that You have given me such beautiful view of the future….My Jesus! You have called me to run this race and even marked it out for me. Help me to keep a forward focus on the author and perfecter of my faith. Lord, You are the prize, my very great reward. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Genesis 15:1

 I am your shield,
    your very great reward.