What do you see when you see this picture? It's not a trick question :) Seriously, no one really knows your thoughts except you and God even though you could give me any answer you want, but I want you to think about it seriously.
Some immediately see the walker. Some will see Justin's big smile. Some will note the teenager that is helping him and the cool hairdo and sunglasses he's sporting. Or some might see Justin's feet. There is a variety of things depending on what you are looking at that can catch your focus.
We've had many different responses from people over the years as Justin was in a walker, forearm crutches, casts, braces, and walking independently with a different looking gait. A very large portion of responses have been that people feel sorry for Justin. I've even heard the words "oh thats pitiful" from an elderly lady. A lot of people have instincts to want to move towards him to help him...especially the numbers of times he used to fall running to catch Jordan on the field as Brandy & Darrin Fulfer reminded me of on our last blog. Great memories!!
What I love the most is when I hear that people focus on his determination. his grit. his never give up. his big smile even when it hurts.
Our focus is everything, y'all! We can easily, in our human nature, find everything and anything to complain or gripe about, justify staying in a pity party, or criticize.
But Jesus...
Jesus died on the cross for you and me to give us ABUNDANT LIFE.
When we choose Him as our Lord and Savior, he deposits His Holy Spirit into us to live supernaturally.
Justin doesn't have the strength and determination he does on his own.
I don't have the joy I have because I've worked hard to get it.
We have received what God so graciously have given us.
We have believed His promises, tried our best to live them out daily (thankful His mercies are new every morning), and continually- sometimes minute by minute- refocus our thoughts on Him!
Sometimes in life- when you find yourself in the midst of lots of negative thoughts or perhaps, you are going through one of the hardest times in your life. Remember these words..
FLIP YOUR FOCUS!
What do I mean by that? Do exactly what Hebrews 12:1-2 says..
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 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 its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God"
Instead of focusing on 'everything that hinders or the wrong you have done'- throw it off. It's weighing you down...give it Jesus. Then move... you have purpose friend. I don't know the race marked out for you, but I know God wants to use you to brighten someone's day, meet someone's need, speak life into someone, etc. Focus... fix our eyes on Jesus. He's the author of our lives and he he has JOY set out before us.
It may not feel joyful right now, but hold on tight to that focusing on Him! You can be confident that God is with you, He's gone before you, and He's working all things for your good. "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:6.
Can you imagine what it's going to be like when Jesus returns? OH MY!! What a day! This boy is going to sprint so fast to thank Jesus first & then I can just hear it "Throw me a pass Jordan!"
Everything we go through in life either weighs us down or lifts us up. We get to choose! #luggageorladders
No comments:
Post a Comment