By: Dr. Tonya D. Lewis
A focal point gives direction to a specific location. Such is the case of this writing. The Lord is emphasizing the word “The” focus rather than “a” or “your” focus. If we are left to eye “a” general focus or even “our very own” focal point, we will not see the fullness of what is available. As much as we would like to believe that “our own” focus is clear and precise, it can be tainted by various factors (hurt, pain, lack of understanding, misconception of truth or prejudicial conclusions), all which tends to deduct rather than add to our lives. Thus, it is critical that we are directed to what will deliver truth, fact, and be unbiased.
Heb. 2:16- We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; He came to help the descendants of Abraham. 17- Therefore, it was necessary for Him to be made in every respect like us, His brothers and sisters, so that He could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. ..18- Since He Himself has gone through suffering and testing, He is able to help us when we are being tested. (NLT) Heb. 3:1- Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, set your focus on Jesus… (Fix your thoughts on Jesus and think carefully about this Jesus).
We are not directed to focus on man, our thoughts, situations and conclusions. In fact we are told in Prov. 3:7-Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are... Along our Christian journey, there will be countless times we experience hurt and pain administered even by our own Kingdom Family. We will experience “Church Hurt”, be misunderstood, and wrestle with disappointment and bewilderment. However, we must “Keep The Focus”, which means keeping our eyes on Jesus. He must be “The Focus” of our lives. This also means that “His Word” must be the Navigator for our journey.
We must “Keep The Focus” on Jesus, for He paid with His life to afford us this great opportunity. We must conclude from the taste of Heaven that we experience while living in this present world, that we must remain faithful and run on to the end of our Christian journey. Yes, each of us experience situations which could make persons who are weak in the faith turn around and run away from Jesus. But we must respond as Peter did when he said where would he go if he left the Lord?
As Christians, we are not promised a bed of roses here on earth. However, we are promised that the Lord will enable us to stand strong in Him. 2 Thess.3:3- But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. Heb. 12:1- …And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2- Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for Him, He thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and He is now seated at the right side of God’s throne.
The Lord has given us His powerful Word to enable us to endure to the end. Therefore, we must read, study and embrace His Holy Word so that we will be strengthened when our faith is challenged and oh yes, it will be challenged! But we are told in 1 John 4:4- But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. This applies to anyone or anything that could challenge or discourage our faith.
We must keep on keeping on being faithful to our Lord. We must trust His Word which promises in Rom. 12:19–Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. We also must remind ourselves of: Micah 7:7- As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.
Psa.130:5– I wait for the LORD; my soul does wait, and in His Word I put my hope. Psa. 27:14 Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD. Psa. 33:20 Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. Psalm 62:5 Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him. So, Kingdom family to remain encouraged, “Keep The Focus” of Jesus Christ! God bless!
Join us for our next 1st Saturday Fellowship, 1:15 p.m. at the U S Bank Community Bldg., Crenshaw and Slauson, Los Angeles, CA, Contact Info: onefaith2007@aol.com , One Faith Fellowship, P. O. Box 56641, La, CA 90056, www.onefaithfellowship.org , (323) 481-6724
