When We Fix Our Eyes

" Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."- Hebrews 12:2 NIV

Sometimes, it can seem like the minute we begin to work on personal goals, everything starts to go wrong to discourage us from continuing. But, God always has a way of escape for His children. In this seemingly simple verse, He breaks down for us, in 3 pieces, how to overcome life's obstacles. Step 1: stay focused on Christ through His word.Christ demonstrated through his ministry, death, and resurrection that He is the answer to every problem. We are not going to understand how to defeat satan and succeed if we don't actively read Holy Scripture. Step 2: realize that in order to get to glory, sometimes we will suffer shame (persecution, isolation, hatred, rejection) at the hands of others; they key is to scorn it as Christ did. He was betrayed by one of his own disciples, so don't be dismayed when you find yourself in conflict with even those closest to you.  Step 3: be assured that in God, through Christ, we are heirs of the kingdom. This means when you endure hardship or persecution for the sake of living a Christ-centered life, victory over your troubles belongs to you.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord, thank you for so much information in one simple verse. Thank you that when I take time to meditate in your presence, revelation is the gift I receive. I pray, Lord, that you fill me with strength to endure any and every obstacle the enemy throws in my direction. I pray that any shame I may endure does not keep me from fixing my eyes on you. Remind me when I fall faint, that your strength raised Christ from the dead and that nothing is impossible for you. My victory is in you. Keep me. Protect me. Love me.  In Jesus' name. Amen.