"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."
Have you ever tried walking on a narrow path while constantly looking down at your feet? It's not an easy task, is it? You stumble, lose your balance, and find yourself straying off course. The same principle applies to our journey of faith. If we fixate on the obstacles, doubts, and distractions surrounding us, we risk losing sight of the One who can guide and empower us through it all. This is why Hebrews 12:2 encourages us to keep our gaze fixed on Jesus.
Looking unto Jesus means making Him the center of our focus, our source of strength, and our guide through every circumstance. In a world filled with distractions and uncertainties, it is easy to become overwhelmed or discouraged. However, when we intentionally turn our eyes towards Jesus, we discover an unwavering source of hope, peace, and purpose.
The verse describes Jesus as the "author and finisher of our faith." He is the one who initiated and will complete our faith journey. Jesus understands what it means to face adversity. He endured the cross, disregarding its shame, all because of the joy that awaited Him. He had a clear vision of the ultimate outcome and clung to it with unwavering faith.
Just as Jesus faced challenges with confidence and determination, we too can find strength by keeping our gaze on Him. When we shift our attention from our problems to His promises, we gain a fresh perspective. We remember that Jesus is not only the initiator of our faith but also the one who empowers us to persevere and overcome.
As we keep our gaze on Jesus, we are reminded of His immense love for us. We witness the lengths to which He went to redeem us and reconcile us with God. By fixing our focus on Him, we invite His presence and power into our lives, enabling us to live victoriously.
So, how do we practically keep our gaze on Jesus? It begins by spending time with Him daily through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking His guidance. When we intentionally seek Him, we create space for Him to speak to our hearts, comfort our souls, and reveal His plans for us. We can also surround ourselves with fellow believers who encourage and remind us of the significance of fixing our gaze on Jesus.
Let us remember that keeping our gaze on Jesus is not a one-time event but an ongoing practice. Just as a sailor navigates a ship by fixing their eyes on a fixed point in the distance, we too must consistently redirect our focus to Jesus, the unchanging and faithful guide of our lives.
Today, let us fix our gaze on Jesus and entrust our fears, doubts, and struggles into His capable hands. As we do so, we will experience His peace, find strength for the journey, and discover the joy that comes from walking closely with Him.
God bless You.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Help me to keep my gaze fixed on Him amidst the challenges and distractions of life. Grant me the strength to endure, the courage to overcome, and the faith to trust in Your plans. May Your presence fill my heart, and may I experience the joy that comes from walking closely with You. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.