SEaSon & SpicE

by Sandy Atwood

I’m easily distracted while driving. When something catches my eye and I glance toward it, I tend to run off the road. (Whoever thought up rumble strips is a genius!) I’m also easily distracted by things that take my focus off Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 reminds us to stay focused on Him, but I’ve been known to focus on what others are doing, past events that can’t be changed, and what might happen in the future—but mainly myself and what I want.

I know the way to see clearly and keep going is to focus on God. That sounds so spiritual, doesn’t it? But how do I do that every day? I must be intentional about keeping my eyes on Jesus.

When I wake up in the morning, I need to open my Bible before looking at social media. The more I focus on knowing God through His Word, the more I love Him and want to stay close to Him. • When I focus on how much God loves me, I don’t need to compare myself or my life to others. • When I focus on His presence, I can be at peace. • When I focus on His wisdom, I remember He knows what is best for me. •When I focus on His power, I can be sure He will work things out for my good (tough at 3:00 a.m. when things always seem worse).

After Chinese evangelist Wang Ming Dao was imprisoned for sharing his faith, he chose to focus on God. Every single day in prison (18+ years), he woke up and sang the same hymn by Fanny Crosby: All the way my Savior leads me; What have I to ask beside? Can I doubt his tender mercy, Who through life has been my guide? Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell! For I know whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well. When our focus is on God, we can keep going, no matter what.