Chronicles

Focus


 Wow, life has been a whirlwind for the last few weeks for my family! Lots of ups and downs. God has taken care of us by providing for our needs when things were looking a little shaky. Yes, I do worry, but that is my fault. God has shown himself gloriously and let me know that everything is going to be OK. Anyways, back to the subject at hand. About 2 years ago, my friend Stan got me hooked on something that I never would have thought would be SO addictive. Kayaking. I have learned a lot about myself while kayaking. One of those things is to not lose focus on what is in front of you. While paddling down river, you always need to be aware of what is directly in front of you. Not what is behind, or to the side. Focus on the front. If your mind wanders even for just a minute, or take time to pat yourself on the back for making it through a rapid, the river will let you know it is still there and you will find yourself swimming, at the mercy of the current. God gave me this word a couple of weeks ago, and today I decided to check out what the Bible says about it and came out with a very familiar passage. It come from Philippians. It says:

Phil 3:12-14

12 I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.



You see, kayaking is a lot like our life and the life God intends for us to live. Don't get wrapped up in what is in the past. Focus on what is ahead and the prize that God has for you, by finishing the task at hand. You will be blessed just by doing what God calls you to do.  Sometimes that race is tough, like a marathon. Pace yourself and endure. Or, the race my be short and fast, like a sprint. Focus and achieve. Life is a race we all run. How will you finish?

I, by no means, think I am better than anyone else. As a matter of fact, I sometimes wonder why God gives me these wonderful words to share with you. I am not worthy of it. I believe that I am being obedient to what He is calling me to do. I just hope and pray that if these thoughts help even just one person come a step closer to God, that will be worth it all. To God be the glory and may God bless each and everyone of you.



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JR