By Carol Round –“Since we are surrounded by so many examples of faith, we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up. We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Now he holds the honored position—the one next to God the Father on the heavenly throne– Hebrews 12:1-2(GW).
In sixth grade, an eye exam revealed the need for glasses. As a pre-teen, I knew my classmates would tease me when I showed up at school with bottle-thick lenses in my frames.
Donning my new glasses at home, one of the first things I noticed was our kitchen tile. I’d always thought it was solid green until my eyeglasses helped me focus on the subtle black-and-white dots of various sizes sprinkled across each tile.
Despite my classmate’s teasing, a whole new world opened up to me when I could focus on the things I’d been missing. Though I eventually switched to contact lenses, I’ll never forget the change in my eyesight with the help of glasses.
What Happens When We Change Our Focus
After reading a Christian article several years ago, I began choosing a word for the New Year. While there’s nothing wrong with making New Year’s resolutions, the author points out most people find them restrictive and ultimately ditched after a few months.
The author’s tactic involves intentionality. By focusing on spiritual growth, we’re living life through a biblical lens instead of a cultural one. Choosing a word of the year requires reflection on what you want to accomplish and how you want to feel in the coming year.
To do this, list potential words that speak to you. I often look back through my spiritual/prayer journal to review the thoughts and prayers I’ve penned in my letters to God. By doing this, I pinpoint an area where I want to grow spiritually. Then, because “all Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching…”(2 Timothy 3:16), I search for scriptures aligning with my list of words. When a scripture resonates with me, I write it in a notebook and pray for God to reveal my word for the year.
What God Can Reveal
After reflecting and praying over my list of words, the Holy Spirit nudged me to choose “focus” as my word for the year. My 2024 was a year of challenges and choices, including following through with my hip replacement surgery. I’d spent numerous hours over a year at doctor appointments, testing, and in physical therapy. My time had also been spent researching hip replacements and other treatments.
The hours spent in doctor’s offices and research led me to postpone starting a new book, one God placed on my heart in 2008. I haven’t started the new book but since that time, 17 years ago, I’ve come across scriptures reminding me to start taking notes. I’ve jotted down scriptures and thoughts related to the book’s theme. I plan to focus on the new book this year. In my spirit, I know God is leading me in this project.
I believe 2025 is my year to trust Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith, to get rid of everything slowing me down and distracting me from reaching the finish line. We must all run the race He has called us to and never give up. We must keep our eyes on Jesus who saw the joy ahead of Him, enduring death on the cross and ignoring the disgrace it brought Him. Jesus is our ultimate goal and focusing on Him will lead to our final victory. Our eternal one with Him.
I always love hearing from my readers. Please e-mail me at [email protected] with your thoughts or visit my blog for more inspiration at www.carolaround.com. If you need a speaker or workshop leader, contact me at the above e-mail address or through my website. I’d be delighted to hear from you.
Photo by Fitsum Admasu on Unsplash
