Hosanna Restoration Church

As we have used the story of the healing of the man who was lame in his feet to see how it might apply to our faith walk, we noticed that Paul observed this man and saw that he had faith to be healed. It seems to me that Paul observed this man as this man observed him. They were both focused. This man was looking at Paul because Paul was pouring the truth of the gospel into him and giving him hope. Paul was encouraged by the man’s faith and the result was a miraculous healing.

Once we have come to know Jesus and make the decision to stand for the truth, we quickly realize that standing is going to require some effort! The world does not just jump out of the way because we have decided to stand for Jesus. It did not jump out of the way for Jesus and it will not jump out of the way for us. We will have to walk through it and to do so, we will have to maintain our focus.

The obvious object of our focus is Jesus. We run with endurance as we look to Jesus who is the author of our faith and the one who shows us how to finish strong. Jesus endured the cross. He despised the shame, but he was able to look beyond that with great joy. He knew what was promised and so by faith he was already there.

In John 17:11 as Jesus was praying He said, “I am no longer in this world.” He was speaking as though He was already with His father even though there was still a cross to bear. Just as He looked unto His Father, we should look unto Him. He is our example. Along with the cloud of witnesses mentioned in the bible and a multitude of testimonies since then, we see how the power of God sustained, empowered, and led people to triumph through the power of God in Christ Jesus.

It does not matter what we encounter in life, as long as we keep looking to Jesus we will stand. He has already authored the book of directions and He has provided the means to acquire the fullness of our salvation. Remember when Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water? He was doing fine until he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the waves. We all know that when we lose our focus fatigue follows quickly. We also begin to have those thoughts of giving up as doubt bombards us. So we must remember to adjust our focus. Just as soon as Peter realized the danger and called on Jesus, he was brought back to the boat. Jesus told him he only needed to keep his focus.

Sometimes life is smooth, and sometimes there are big waves, but Jesus is always the same. He is not a sometimes savior, He is our full time victory. He led by example and we have the privilege of doing the same. So keep your focus on the author and finisher of your faith.