Vision Check: Seeing Through the Eyes of Faith
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, grant us clarity of vision to see Your truth and wisdom in our lives. Help us to focus on what truly matters.
"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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
REFLECT:
In his message, Pastor Jarred Peine shared a personal story about a blurry eye exam, which served as a metaphor for spiritual vision. Just as physical pressure can blur our sight, spiritual distractions can cloud our perception of God's will. Hebrews 12:1-2 calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus, shedding the weights that hinder our spiritual race.
In a culture that values busyness and hustle, our vision can become obscured by the relentless pursuit of productivity. Jarred highlighted how this cultural norm can lead us away from God's best. Instead of being still and knowing God, we often find ourselves entangled in the world's demands. This passage in Hebrews encourages us to throw off these hindrances and focus on the race God has set before us.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus means prioritizing His presence over the pressures of life. It requires intentionality and discipline, much like the Jarred's encouragement to engage with Scripture more than screens. By doing so, we align our vision with God's, allowing His truth to guide our steps and shape our journey.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will fix my eyes on Jesus by praying this prayer each day: Heavenly Father, help me stop guessing and start listening. Help me see You clearly, hear You fully, and allow others to walk with me as I follow You simply, one step at a time. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, thank You for the clarity that comes from focusing on You. Help us to remove the distractions that blur our vision and to see clearly the path You have set before us. Amen.