I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14
The ability to focus is huge. In fact, I believe it is THE key to be a successful person. What you focus “on” defines what you focus “out”. The Apostle Paul understood this, as he was passionate to focus on the one thing that mattered: the plan of God. He was determined not to let his doubts, what happened yesterday, or even the circumstances he was presently in, deter him from focusing on the goal for the prize of his calling. And guess what? He finished his race strong. There are countless situations and negative influences that will bombard you on a daily basis. But, what you choose to focus on will determine your success. If you focus on the promises of God and what you need to do to improve your marriage, your health, your business, or whatever you are going after, then you will move toward that upward call. If you keep your focus on the problem, or even if you turn your focus on things that help you escape from the circumstance, then you’ll never find the energy to do what it takes to get you where you want to go.
Turn off the TV. Turn off the “Constant Negative News.
Turn off the thoughts that are brooding on the worst-case scenario.
Turn off the conversations coming from people filled with doubt and unbelief.
Forget the failures of the past.
Forget the facts of what happened yesterday.
Decide to take on a fresh mental attitude and listen instead to the voice of your Heavenly Father. Turn your focus on the blessing of God and the promises in His Word. Focus on prayer. Focus on praise and worship. Focus on thankfulness. Focus on hope. This focus will move you toward your upward call!
BELIEVE IT
What is stressing you out right now? You cannot be the authentic YOU when you are under these burdens of stress. Turn your focus upon a positive outcome and meditate on how you will find success in that area.
SAY IT
Father, I believe You have given me the ability to focus and give attention to Your Word and Your ways. Help me, by Your Spirit, to keep my focus on the hope of Your promises today. I believe You are giving me divine wisdom to move me towards Your perfect will for my life.
READ IT
Turn my eyes from looking on worthless things; and give me life in your ways. Psalm 119:37 (esv)
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2 (esv)
But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13 (esv)
