Finish Well (Daily Refresh, 04-01-26)

One of the most important parts of running a race is keeping your eyes on the finish line. If you happen to look at the other competitors, it can ruin your focus, causing you to slip up. Staying focused is crucial. 

The writer of the letter of Hebrews uses this same idea when talking about our own spiritual lives. The writer encourages his readers to keep their eyes focused on Jesus while running the race of life.

When we keep our eyes on Jesus and our thoughts focused on Him, we are reminded of His great love and goodness. Keeping our eyes on Jesus helps us to not grow discouraged.

When we take our eyes off Jesus, we can lose focus on what really matters. We can become fixated on the priorities of the world around us rather than the mission of God. We can also lose our sense of value and worth if we lose sight of the love of God.

One of the reasons the author encourages his readers to focus their eyes on Jesus is because Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. He is the reason we have faith, but He is also the one who continues to sanctify our hearts and strengthen our faith.

Jesus endured the pain of the cross with joy because He kept His own eyes on the finish line—sitting in a place of authority next to God the Father, and achieving salvation for His followers. We now experience the benefit of salvation because of His endurance.

Jesus’ example allows us to run the race of life with endurance and focus. So if you find yourself tired and wanting to give up, take some time to pray and think about Jesus who gave everything for you. Ask God for endurance so that you can continue to grow in your faith, and finish well.

My Thoughts

It has been easy for me lately to focus on the circumstances, with one unexpected medical report after another. But I am learning (and was already trying to practice before today’s devotional) to keep my eyes on the Lord. In the MRI thumping machine, during the EMG that sends shocks through me, my focus will be on the Lord. I had an MRI less than two months ago on my shoulder and I found myself quoting scripture verses to myself and singing praise songs inside my head. The thumping continued without my noticing the passage of time because I was focused on the Lord. That is what I pray will be the same this time. Jesus isn’t leaving me out on the race course of life and telling me to be strong. He is right there beside me, running the race with me and encouraging me as we go down the track. Like a good coach, Jesus doesn’t assume that I will be fine without Him. He knows that I need the constant assurance and encouragement that His presence brings. So, as I endure more tests and the results that follow, I am staying focused on the Lord and expecting Him to give the doctors wisdom and me grace and mercy.

If you are in a season where your race seems harder and more challenging, do what I am doing and what the Bible encourages us to do. Keep our focus on Jesus. Don’t be like Peter who was walking on water just fine until he took his eyes off the Lord. Keep your eyes on the only One who can make a difference in everything in your life.

May God bless and keep you as you focus on Him and may you run your race with endurance and faith in Him.