I am slowly getting ready to produce a play that I wrote almost 4 years ago for the Felege Hiywot Center Mission that my mother in law started in the city of Indianapolis to help create young leaders in Indiana as well as support orphanages in Ethiopia. Last year we were unable to go through with the show due to a number of setbacks. It all worked out for the best I suppose. I learned a lot and feel a little bit better prepared for some of the potential setbacks. But one can never be 100% prepared for potential obstacles. The only thing that I can do is resolve in my own heart to move forward no matter what happens. I am saying this with a broad perspective not only encompassing this play but anything I do in life. Having a moving forward attitude can only be cultivated one way. Keeping your eyes on the prize ahead.
Imagine you are getting ready to run a 100 meter race. You kneel down at the start line. You look to your right and see your opponent. Their muscles are toned, they have the most technologically advanced running shoes, the most aerodynamic running suit. You look to the left, this opponent's legs are ripped, their face is relaxed, almost serene as they know the victory is theirs. And then you look down, making sure that your shoes are tied and you are behind the line before the gun goes off. You hear the firecracker sound of the start gun and you raise yourself up to take off. Your mind is on your opponents as you run, you look right and left, right and left, swerving in each direction as you look. Expending lateral energy for no good reason except that your mind is focused not on the finish but on the fact that your shoes aren't as light as your opponent on your left, that your legs aren't as toned as the one on your right. Before you know it you've tripped on an unseen piece of gravel and fallen on your face, left in the dust. All because you never looked forward. You never looked in the direction you were supposed to be running.
Now let's look at one of Jesus' disciples. Peter was one of the most fiery of the 12. He talked without thinking, attacked a soldier who came to arrest Jesus and then denied knowing Jesus right before He died. But Peter was also the one that Jesus wanted Mary to specifically tell about His resurrection, that Jesus said that He was the rock that He would build His church on, and had the courage to walk on water. (I have so much in common with Peter.)
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said.Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.
When Peter saw the the wind and the waves he began to sink- just as keeping our eyes on the opponent will cause you to trip. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus and not turn to the right or to the left looking at circumstances, other people, or even focusing on the attacks of satan. The wonderful thing is that even when we do slip up, Jesus is there to put His hand out to us and save us. Even if we do falter and look around in fear, we can ALWAYS return our eyes to the Lord Jesus. "How do I do that?" you might be asking. Study God's Word and meditate on it. Pour your troubles and worries out to the Lord in your prayers, spend time in worship. You'll then be able to better recognize when your eyes are wandering. Obstacles are real parts of every day life but I want to challenge you (and myself) to keep focus and run the race well. Who knows? You might find yourself walking on water!
Have a great day!
