Fix Your Eyes on Jesus (Part 1)

I’ve had the wonderful blessing of giving birth to three children.  When I was expecting my first I was unable to take birthing classes due to our work schedules, so I went into labor not knowing what to expect and kind of just winging it.  I discovered that when a contraction would come, if I closed my eyes in pain, all I could think about was how much it hurt and at times it was unbearable.  But then I discovered, if I would look straight ahead and find a focal point to stare at (for me it was the light switch plate) then I could deal with the pain much better and concentrate on my breathing.  I remember one time that my husband, Rodney, walked through my line of sight during a contraction and broke that focus I had on the light switch and I was once again thrown into overwhelming pain.

I’ve discovered in life that I need to fix my eyes on Jesus, as steadily as I did that light switch plate.  If I focus on my problems, then they become bigger than life and overwhelming.  At times it can seem like we won't be able to bear it.  But when I fix my eyes on Jesus, He becomes bigger than my problems and the problems don't seem so overwhelming.  

Hebrews 12:2 “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.”
 

 Horses wear blinders to keep them focused and looking straight ahead.  This keeps them from getting spooked and is for their own safety.  Some say blinders were invented when a preacher bet some friends that his horse could walk upstairs at his home, which it did, but wouldn’t go back down the stairs because he was afraid.  The preacher covered the horse’s head and led him down.  By covering the horse’s head, the horse was no longer staring at the problem in front of him and the preacher could encourage the horse to take chances it would not normally take. It’s similar to the feeling I get when I am at a high level.  If I don’t look down I can usually handle it, but when I look down I become scared of the height and my legs feel weak even if I’m on a totally secure platform. 

Proverbs 4:25 says, “Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.”  Is there something in your life that you are facing that is making your knees feel weak from the all-consuming fear and worry?  Are you overwhelmed by life and have lost your joy? Is there something that God is calling you to do but it would require you to step out of your comfort zone and the risk of failure is not one you would normally take?

Try looking straight into the eyes of Jesus, your Savior.  He will strengthen your weak knees to get you through any struggle.  How about that risk you need to take?  Deuteronomy 31:8 says, "The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." When we fix our eyes on Jesus, joy will be restored to our lives and our problems won't seem so big.

Next week: What happens when I look behind me or to the side?  And later: How do I fix my eyes on Jesus?

This blog was originally published 5/24/17.