Use you eyes.

In my high school years I was in Marching band, and our director was influenced by the Drum Corps of DCI, so that meant our shows were like treading water, blowing up an air mattress, while doing geometry in our heads. We depended on our eyes to keep us in our position throughout the 7 1/2 minute show. On another note, I was skinny in high school just saying. Today in my devotion, the Spirit reminded me of this concept while I was reading the book of Proverbs. In Proverbs 4:25 in the Message it reads like this, "Keep your eyes straight ahead, ignore all the sideshow distractions. Watch your step and the road will stretch out smooth before you." The Amplified adds the word "with fixed purpose" and I found this very applicable to the world I find myself in as God is growing me as a person.

I want to share with you the things I find in this text that applies across the board regardless of where we are in our walk, or even in our secular jobs. First, focus on where you are going, or fix your eyes on your target. As believers, our gaze should stay fixed on Jesus and who He is to us. Remember Peter could walk on the water as long as he looked at Christ, looks away and down he goes. My goal in life should be to live in a way that pleases and honors God, He will take care of the other stuff, remember Jesus promised us that.

Secondly, don't allow the enemy to get us distracted with his sideshow antics. This means don't allow circumstances, problems, or other things to get our eyes off the one who has all power. When the storm is howling, keep your eyes on Jesus, when the doctor says no hope, look at Jesus, when the world around you is shaking and falling apart, keep your eyes on Jesus, He is unshakable. Don't let the enemy tell you otherwise, or get your eyes looking elsewhere.

Lastly, let God be the director of the journey. We had to trust that our director had written the marching drill so we wouldn't collide with each other, and we would end up where we were supposed to by "marching to the form not the mark". We have a Savior, a Father and a Guide we can trust to get us through the storms, and eventually to Heaven itself, all we have to do is keep our eyes on Him, listen to the Spirit's voice to guide us, and trust God's promises. I know that sounds so easy, and I suppose it should be, but as we are all humans cursed since Eden, we struggle with allowing the world we cannot see control the world we can see. However, if we are keeping our eyes on the Cross of Christ as our road sign, looking for His soon return, it becomes easier as it becomes our habit.

Grace and peace be to all of you.
Father in the name of Jesus, help me to keep my eyes focused on you, no matter what the enemy throws at me. Let my life be like Paul's a testimony of your provision and power in all circumstance. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen

Eric