FOCUS – THREE IMPORTANT ASPECTS
Where ever you go and whatever the conversations, it is evident beyond doubt that people are flooded with challenges, from all directions of life. For some, it is one at a time and for others, it feels like a tsunami, as waves of challenges come all at once. For some it is their marriage, for others, the demands of a job, health issues and lack of finances.
So, many people feel that life is nothing but a worry. These challenges come daily, weekly, monthly and so years go by, with people most of the time telling you that they feel overwhelmed. People go on vacation in December, only to find themselves by April, tired, stressed, drained, sick and without energy. The reality of life is that, life itself is such a rush and challenge, that people find it difficult to enjoy life and to be happy. Let us look at three important aspects that influence our focus to stay in control of situations that arise.
IDENTITY. We know that we are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and we also know that when we accept Jesus Christ as our Personal Saviour, then we are sons and daughters of God Almighty (2 Corinthians 6:18). In God, we have a purpose, hope and future (Jeremiah 29:11). In Jesus Christ, we have authority over the enemy (Luke 10:19). So, in summary, we have a clear identity, purpose and authority to live life successfully, even though challenging.
ROLE. The Lord is very clear to what our role in life is as it says in Mathew 28:19 – 20…” Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” To fulfil this role means to show love, no matter the cost and it involves patience, perseverance, love, care, support, listening, providing, forgiveness, second chances etc. Through those acts of love, we bring people to Christ.
God did not just give us a role, he said that whatever we have to face, we will not be alone. He will be with us always. He also said in Joshua 1:5, that He will never leave nor forsake us. Therefore, let us never think that we are alone when our role should be executed. Furthermore, never doubt your existence, for God is clear on what our role is and if we take up that role, we will feel appreciated and needed; not based on humans needing us when they feel like it, but God telling us that we are needed to make a difference. That, dear reader, is a reason to live for.
CHALLENGES. In John 16:33, God says to us: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” He also says to us in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” Amen!
God never said life was going to be easy, in fact Jesus Himself said we will have trouble. But, He also said to take heart, for He overcame the world. We need to understand that part of our role as explained above, is to go through challenges. We should not be stressing out when challenges come. Yes, it is human to feel overwhelmed for a moment, but do not let the moment become hours, days, weeks, months and years. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the challenge and then we give control over to the challenge, allowing doubt, fear, stress, anxiety etc. to step in. That is not what God wants.
You need to acknowledge that there is an attack/challenge, and then, keep the focus on the truth, that you have an identity in Christ and with that you have authority. So, keep the focus and use your God given authority in dealing with the challenge, hence you stay in control. Will it be easy? Off course not! The devil even tempted Jesus and therefore he is not afraid of you. He is afraid of the one in You and in whose name, you take authority and solve challenges because of Jesus’ victory on the cross.
Dear reader. You have an identity and authority in Christ. You have a critical role to play in the game called life, which includes challenges. Remember, you are a warrior, not a worrier, so keep the focus, take control and execute your authority in Christ.
Love in Christ
Princess K