Thursday, September 20, 2012

Champion of Faith


"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
– Hebrews 12: 1-2

As followers, moving forward in Christ takes serious commitment and effort on our part. Throughout this journey/race through life, the Apostle Paul encourages us by telling us to keep our eyes on Jesus in Hebrews 12. Since Jesus perfects our faith, it is important that our eyes remain on Him. He is the one who gives us the endurance, hope, and strength to finish this race strong. There is a part in one of my favorite songs, “Come to Me” by Jenn Johnson from Bethel Music, where she sings about fixing our eyes on Jesus. “Don’t look to the right or to the left,” she says, “Keep your eyes on Me.” That particular part of the song moves me every time. Our eyes must remain on our prize, which is Jesus Christ, for He is the ultimate champion of our faith.

So maybe you’re reading this today and you feel like you’ve got it all together. “My eyes are on Jesus, I don’t need to read this,” you may say. I have felt that way at times. But are your eyes really on Him? Fixing your eyes on Jesus means that you consult with Him about EVERYTHINGCommitting everything to Him first. Whether it’s a new job you want to apply for or a girl/guy you want to pursue. You know your eyes are on Him when you consult with Him first. It’s more than just putting Him first on a checklist—it’s making Him first in your heart. 

Sometimes we complain to God, “Why didn’t that work out?” or “How come that relationship fell apart?” or “Why is he/she running faster than me?” But did God truly release you to pursue that person. Was it in God’s will for you to go out for that job? Consult with the Champion FIRST. When our eyes aren’t on Jesus, discouragement sets in and we slowly become hopeless. This is why it is so important to keep our eyes on Jesus—He will never disappoint us. He will continue to give us the hope and endurance we need to finish this race strong.

Believer, stop looking to the left and right—focus your eyes on the Champion of our faith. If our eyes aren’t on Jesus, then they simply are on everything and everyone else. Stop comparing your stride to othersGod has a perfect plan for YOUR life. When your eyes on Jesus, you will have peace, hope, and joy about your race. Right now, fix your eyes on Jesus and block out everything around you. Allow the Lord to perfect your faith and restore your hope. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you vision to see Him. What is stopping you from truly keeping your eyes on Jesus? Consult with the Lord. All you need for this race is right in front of you. Christ endured the cross for you—Keep your eyes on the one who is seated in Heavenly places.

"Come to Me" by Jenn Johnson from Bethel Music

1 comment:

  1. Awesome post! That was definitely something I needed to read. Thanks for sharing this. God bless! :]

    ReplyDelete