From Crisis to Breakthrough: Reimagining Your WorkSample

Focus on the Main Thing

The world is full of distractions. News headlines amplified by social media, cultural pressures, the pressure of staying competitive as an organization and as an individual trying to advance in a career all culminate in a whirlwind of noise demanding our attention. Throw in a crisis and it can push us into the red zone.

There is only one thing we really need to focus on to help us live our best life—crisis or not—that’s Christ. 

The Israelites were God’s chosen people, “His treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6). Yet they found themselves in a terrible mess with the walls around Jerusalem broken down. Why? Had God forsaken them? Actually, they had forsaken God’s commands and basically turned their back on His protection. As a result, their enemies were able to overtake them. They lost sight of the main thing.

After the wall was completed, Ezra sought to help the people get their focus back on God. He read from the Book of the Law while teachers helped the people understand what they were hearing. The people needed to reconnect to who God was, His promises, their place as God’s people, and what God expected of them. 

It is critical that we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of faith,” (Hebrews 12:2) every day. Here are some ways to do that:

• Remember God’s faithfulness. 
• Pray continually.
• Meet with other Christians to pray and support each other.
• Study God’s Word daily and store His Word in your heart. 

When we keep our focus on the main thing—the Lord—we have the promised Holy Spirit as our guide so that God can work in and through us. We keep our hearts and minds in the green zone and receptive to His direction. He is able to do abundantly more than we can ask or imagine when we stay connected and abide in Him—our Source of all good things.

What one new habit or practice can you begin to help you keep your eyes on Jesus?

Prayer

God, forgive me for allowing the things of this world to take my attention away from You. Help me to stay focused on Jesus. May I be led by Your Holy Spirit so that I can see the new thing You want to do and join You in fulfilling Your purposes. In Jesus’ name, amen.