How many times have you seen someone looking down at their phone or texting while driving? How many times have you heard of someone not paying attention to where they were going and they didn't turn on the right road and got lost? How many times have you been in a conversation and your mind wandered off to other things that you needed to get done?
The fact is that we all lose focus from time to time. We allow things to distract us from our purpose whether that be driving or in a conversation. It's obvious when you are behind someone on the road and they are swerving all over the road, speeding up and then slowing down, that they are not focused on the matter at hand - driving. I must admit that I've "been there and done that" numerous times. Sometimes it's a matter of having too many things on our mind but most of the time I believe we simply lose focus, and we forget the main issue.
The Bible tells us that there came a day in the life of Jesus when he turned his heart toward Calvary. From that day on, Jesus was focused on one thing and one thing only - the cross. Everything He did, from attempting to prepare the disciples for his death, was focused on those last days. Nothing, not the unbelief of the crowds, the doubting of the disciples, or the beating by the soldiers deterred Him from going to the cross. As we know from his last words on the cross, He finished the mission His Father gave Him to complete.
I wonder today if you and I are attempting to live without being focused. Maybe at your job today, you need to focus on getting your work done. Maybe today you need to focus on a future event that needs your attention. Maybe your heart is being tossed around by varying demands and you need to focus on why God birthed you and what He created you for. Today stop and refocus and live your days as Jesus lived His, with focus on the big picture.
Please remember to pray for the Lozier family. Don passed away this weekend and the family is faced with multiple decisions regarding arrangements.
I would also encourage you to remember that we are now in the season of our largest mission offering of the year, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and our Vision Virginia mission offering. Each Sunday you'll see videos of one or the other of the offerings to help you understand the need and the opportunity. Every penny you give goes to either one of those offerings and 100% of the funds are used to meet needs in our State and around the world. Pray and give generously as we seek to reach lost persons with the Gospel of Christ.
MDWMD,
Pastor Carl