The Big Picture

There's an old expression about "not seeing the forest for the trees" referring to a failing that most of us know all too well.  It's so easy to get caught up in minor details -- the nitty-gritty  of life - and miss the big picture altogether.  I think that's why the writer of Hebrews encourages us to keep focused.  He says, "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 the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12: 2-3).  We have to consciously choose to focus on Jesus and to keep our focus there!  After all, He lived a life of faith in this world.  He knows how it works - how we get started and how we can put feet to our faith!  Jesus can help us stay on track and make it through whatever life throws at us.

In Drivers' Ed. Class, the instructor told us not to look right in front of the car.  "Look further down the road and you'll stay on track.  Your driving with be straighter.  You won't weave back and forth."  I tried it and he was right.  The writer of Hebrews is right, too.  We need to keep our eyes on the One we hope (as in expect!) to spend eternity with - the One who wrote the book on faith.  "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."  (Hebrews 10:23).  The Promiser is faithful - we can trust Him - not only to bring us through but to help us leave a lasting legacy of faith.  Chapter 11 in Hebrews has a long list of heroes of faith - people who were true to God in all sorts of trials and difficulties.  We can be one of that blessed crowd.  Let me encourage you.  Keep focused.  Look to Jesus!

Pastor Mary