“[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].”
Hebrews 12:2 AMP
Literally, as I was reading this scripture my mind went to the weather app and I looked away.
It’s that easy.
A wise Sister once shared with me that the enemy will use distraction to bring destruction.
Remember in Mark 4, how Jesus told the disciples that the cares of this life would choke the Word?
And then Remember how’s Jesus said I’m standing here, knocking, so I can come in and share a meal with you?
He tried that with Martha, remember?
But she was distracted.
She wanted to do so much for Jesus and her guests, that she lost sight of being with Jesus and the guests.
Again, notice the difference between Vashti and Esther.
Vashti hosted her own party-
Apart from the King.
Esther hosted a dinner for The King.
She prepared things before…
I’m not saying we don’t do anything.
But that we do it in order.
Once the King arrived, she dined with Him.
Jesus said, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” John 15
I don’t think we even realize we’re distracted,
Until we get frustrated.
Frustration is an indicator that you’re distracted.
If you’re blaming others for how much you have to do.
You’re distracted.
Laying aside every weight, the writer of Hebrews says-
That so easily distracts us, or weighs us down.
We put on weight through self effort.
Ask me how I know.
We start doing things, even maybe good things, but apart from Jesus.
He said that His yoke is light, and His burden, easy.
Sign me up for that!
It’s His Strength.
His Grace.
His Love.
To no surprise I find myself having said this in my heart, about the shedding of extra weight I’ve picked up over the winter.
I still run, but it’s harder, the heavier you are.
So I know that some weight needs to go.
I believe God is speaking to us.
Don’t you?
What is it that you recognize the Father asking you to drop?
We have to remember that it’s never Him taking away from us, but rather enriching our lives.
My outward situation reveals my heart.
It’s lack of enforcing self control.
I say yes, when I should say no.
Ever been there?
But today is the day to enforce the Freedom that Jesus paid for us to have.
We are no longer slaves.
To anyone, or anything but Jesus.
Let’s look to Him.
As we behold Perfection, we become more like what God has intended all along.
Jesus did the heavy lifting for us!
No we can run free.
Hallelujah!
ThankFully Restored 