Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…
Hebrews 12:2 


Back in 2002 I had a dream in the night.   At the end of this dream, I saw a huge lighthouse coming up from the ground. As this lighthouse appeared to me, these words came to my mind over and over, "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith…" (Hebrews 12:2).

Dreams have a way of painting a picture for you that enable you to never forget the message.  This particular dream spoke to me about keeping my focus on JESUS - who is the author and finisher of our faith.  The word looking derives it's meaning from two Greek words, apo, "away from," and horao, "to see". The word signifies undivided attention, looking away from all distractions in order to fix one's gaze on one object (Spirit Filled Life Bible).

In order for us to be fruitful and successful in our Christian lives, we must keep our eyes on Jesus and push the distractions away.  In school, homework was always a challenge for me. The greatest challenge for me was all the distractions. If it wasn't the TV, it was the radio. If it wasn't the radio, it was dreaming about something else I could be doing. When we set ourselves in a position to seek God fervently, distractions often become the norm. Distractions are often a good sign that it's time to seek the Lord.

Often we blame our circumstances when we fail to overcome in our attitude. The real source of our frustration is a matter of perspective. Our perspective is significantly adjusted by our focus. If we are focused upon the trials of life, our attitudes will reflect the sorrow, pain, and frustration. If we are focused upon Jesus, the light of this world (John 1:7), life is the byproduct and we will be reflectors of love, joy, and peace.

When running a race, your gaze should be upon the finish line. I was a sprinter in track throughout middle school and high school. The first 100 - meter dash I competed in became a lesson I would never forget. This was the race people were looking forward to – Schwann vs. Becker. I was considered one of the fastest kids in track during middle school; therefore, lots of pressure. It's important to keep focused when under pressure.

The runners stepped up to the starting blocks and then the gun went off. I remember running with all I had in me. We can run with all our energy and still lose because we didn't stay focused on the finish line. That day, back in 1982, I lost my first race. I lost my first race because I lost my focus. Instead of looking forward to the finish line, I looked to my side to see where everyone else was. When I turned my head, I lost my focus and Chris Schwann beat me.

When we don't look away from all distractions and fix our gaze upon Jesus - we may not finish this race of life as successful as we desire.  Make it your aim to gaze upon Jesus today.  Remind yourself of this saying by Bobby Conner - "Glance at the problem and gaze upon the LORD."  Blessings on you today!