Have you ever struggled to keep your focus on the Lord as your Savior? Even as a pastor, there have been times that I have neglected my personal relationship with Jesus because I was so focused on the workings of the church. We all struggle to keep our focus on Jesus and need the help of the Holy Spirit to stay on course. The enemy knows how easily we humans can be distracted and is a master of using worldly things to take our eyes off Jesus.
Moses Knew the Importance of Focusing on the Lord.
Moses, a Hebrew by birth, was adopted by the royal family of Egypt. As a son of the king, Moses could have remained there if he had wished. God had other plans for him, and Moses gave up the luxury of this world to follow those plans. Hebrews 11: 27 It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.[1]
Moses’ faith in the Lord was a life changer for him. Hebrews 11:1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.[2] There was something beyond what Moses could understand and he simply had to trust God and follow Him.
The Lord Intervenes so We Can Stay Focused on Him
While the enemy works to draw us away from Jesus, our Lord is working to draw our focus to Himself. The Lord intervenes even when our focus is not on Him. He wants us to know Him so that He can heal and refresh us. Scripture helps us focus on the Lord’s goodness, love, and sovereignty.
The Apostle Paul explained this to Titus, a young leader in the early church. Titus 3: 3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.[3]
The Lord is the good shepherd and knows when we focus on Him, our life changes. His plan for our lives is rich beyond our imaginations. The Lord gives each of us choices and He desires that we focus on Him.
He wants us to begin by placing our faith in Jesus as our Savior. As we focus on Him, He begins to transform us. Romans 12: 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [4]
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I am often distracted on my spiritual journey. Help me each day to look up and know that true riches in life are keeping my eyes on you. Thank you, Jesus, for your patience and for coming into this world to rescue me. Fill me more with your love and desires so I can make a difference in this world. Amen.
To hear more about how to keep your focus on the Lord, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-makes-a-difference-joseph-moses
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.