The Sideways Glance

I have a confession to make.  There is something I struggle with much more than I'd like to admit. It's the problem of the sideways glance. Perhaps you struggle as well as you endeavor to follow after the Lord.  Our eyes are fixed on Him and the path He is laying before us, when suddenly something catches our attention out of the corner of our eye. We know the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on the path Jesus is leading us on, but the temptation to look away is strong, so for a moment we give the distraction a sideways glance.

And trouble always ensues. Maybe not for long, but the briefest glace away from the Savior delays our journey with Him. It created chaos in the beginning when Eve was distracted by the serpent, and he put doubt in her mind by asking her "Did God really say..." (See Genesis 3:1). Later in John 21:18-22 we see Peter getting distracted as he saw John following them as he and Jesus talked. And in one of my favorite accounts in Matthew 14;13-32 we see faith, failure because of distractions and restoration. Jesus had just finished feeding 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish and then sent the disciples ahead of Him by boat to the other side. In verse 25 we read that in about the fourth watch they saw Him walking towards them on the water. Thinking He was a ghost they cried out in fear. He assured them it was Him. Peter, being Peter said basically...prove it Lord, if it's You tell me to come to You on the water. Jesus said "Come".  Emboldened by the Lord's command Peter got out of the boat and walked on water to Jesus.  

But then...distracted by the wind and the waves he began to sink.

Blessedly the Lord is gracious when we cry out to Him to save us.

Distractions are always around us.  The key to victory is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. But I know from experience that it's hard at times It takes a concentrated effort not to get distracted.

Years ago, I was leading a ladies Bible study group, and we were discussing the difficulty with getting distracted. At the time, my sister was raising horses, so I knew the way they kept a skittish horse from being distracted when teaching them to a trail, was to put blinders on the horse's bridal. The blinder was a piece placed on the bridal at the side of the horse's eyes; that kept the horse from seeing anything that might cause it to shy and throw the rider. I used the example as an illustration of how we must put on "spiritual blinders" so as not to be distracted by the things the enemy throws in our path. Our spiritual blinders are more necessary every day. It is imperative that we spend time in God's word and in prayer.

A myriad of distractions vie for our attention daily, seeking to pull us off the path the Lord is putting before us. I know I must deliberately put on "spiritual blinders" daily to keep me from giving a sideways glance to the things that cause me to stumble and sink.  My journey with Jesus continues upward, and I want to be with Him always.  He is faithfully leading me each step of the way.  Our job as believers, is to keep our eyes fixed on Him and follow where He leads.

Me He grant each of us the courage and wisdom to stay focused on Him and may our fixed focus draw other eyes to Him.

To Him be the glory and honor forever. 

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"You follow Me." ~Jesus 

Lessons from a splinter

It was the tiniest speck of a splinter in the heal of my hand, but was causing me frustration. I got it while doing work in the yard and used the normal route of tweezers to remove it. Although I managed to get the larger portion out, a tiny, nearly invisible piece remained imbedded in my hand. And it hurt!

I tried getting it out with a needle and peroxide, but to no avail.  So I waited.  I knew the body's natural healing would take its course and make the splinter fester.  When it did, I was finally able to remove the speck of annoyance from my hand.  Although it is still tender, I know the wound will now completely heal. Looking at the speck I thought of how the tiniest things can create enormous pain and frustration.  I realized there was a lesson deeper than the physical splinters we try to avoid.

As I prayed and pondered, the Lord brought to mind how anxiety is the splinter in our souls. The tiniest worry that God is not in control or able to meet our needs, creates a festering wound that only He can heal. This immediately brought to mind Philippians 4:6&7 "Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus."

Isn't the peace of God what we all desire? 

His peace, which surpasses all understanding is available to those who find comfort under the shadow of His wings. He will heal us of the splinters and wounds in our souls if we will let Him. So when that little speck of anxiety pokes your soul - pray.  Thank God that He is showing you there are places He wants you to allow Him to heal. Ask Him to reveal the root and then rejoice as He brings about healing. 

He loves us more than we can possibly imagine and wants to heal us of everything that keeps us from living joyfully in His presence and peace. Turn to Him with your anxieties.  Trust Him to do an awesome work.

He is always faithful.