Focus on Him

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

For years, I worked as a 911 dispatcher. Each call had the potential of a new emergency. It’s a job that sure can get the blood pumping. The one thing I found in common with each high-stress call was the level of chaos I’d have to work through to get a caller to answer questions I needed before I could send help.

The more upset they were, the more distracted they were and the more distracted they were the more I’d purposely speak calmly and even softly—because two people screaming into a phone wouldn’t help anyone.

A caller would have to focus on what I was saying—more than on what was happening around them. For the more extreme callers, the ones who were almost hysterical, I’d gently remind them, “Listen to me.” “Focus on what I’m saying right now.”

It’s a lot like how the Lord has to get my attention. With constant distractions in my life, it’s easy to be pulled in a dozen different directions. When things become chaos and I cry out to the Lord for help, it’s His still small voice I need to focus on and listen for.

The first part of Hebrews 12:2 reminds us to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. That’s all we need to do. Look to Him. Focus on Him. Ignore the distractions and look to Him with an impenetrable focus. Then listen for His calming encouragement. Our hysterical rants and exhausting anxieties put our eyes on our problems. Focus on Him. Then ask Him for wisdom. He wants to help.

Ask For It

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

 “Move to a state where we have no family, no friends, and no job? That doesn’t seem to make much sense, Lord.” God was putting it on our hearts to leave the only state we’d ever known. Could this really be happening?

We asked God for wisdom.

When we flew to Tennessee to spy out the land, God opened doors for us to walk through. His peace in our decision was apparent. God’s promises are not given lightly. When He says something He means it. So, when He says He will give wisdom–He will. But, the most important lesson for me is that when I believe Him it opens the door wide for the miraculous. 

 

Joanne Kraft is a mom of four and the author of The Mean Mom’s Guide to Raising Great Kids and Just Too Busy—Taking Your Family on a Radical Sabbatical. She’s been a guest on Focus on the Family, Family Life Today and CBN. Joanne and her husband, Paul, moved their family from California to Tennessee and happily traded soy milk and arugula for sweet tea and biscuits. Joanne joins her mom-friends over coffee every Saturday morning, sign up and grab your favorite cup—she’d love to have you!