Vital signs- Tuesday, September 29th, 2020

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 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, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

It’s such a challenge when we find ourselves in a place where we’re bombarded with fear. We want to overcome it, yet we have a hard time doing so. Often, the issue is where we fix our sights. Sadly, we often gaze at our problems and merely glance at God. We need to reverse that. Let’s gaze at our good, mighty, powerful God and simply glance at our problems. Life works better that way.

Hebrews 12 is a great reminder for us. Are we spending our energy focused on the trials and struggles in front of us, or are we focused on the God who is over all of them? Hebrews 12:2 tells us to “keep our eyes on Jesus.” Why? Because He authored our faith and continues to perfect it.

So, to find out where your thoughts are directed, ask yourself these questions:

Is my focus more on God or on daily circumstances?

Do I tend to worry about my struggles instead of trusting in God?

Am I entertaining fear by imagining what-if situations?

Because we’re humans, we'll still battle with what our flesh desires. And not just that, but our flesh will always drift toward what feels good and what’s easier. It’s easier to let our minds roam toward the unpredictable and uncertainty that life brings. But we can change that.

We need to look up towards Jesus. When we do this, our minds are less likely to stay fixed on the problems below. We won’t grow as weary, which in turn will give us the strength to stay the course. Let’s not give up.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬