On What Are You Focused?
I’ve always admired those little “smart cars” and have longed to drive
one. They remind me of the old-fashioned bumper cars
I used to ride at the amusement park when I was a child.
So when a friend of mine got a smart car, I longingly looked inside,
admired it, and secretly wished I could get one.
I’ve often thought it would be really fun to own some land—
a few acres . . . or even one acre . . . a place where my dogs Obie
and Amos could just go crazy. When a friend of mine moved onto 40
acres and built a new home, I found myself wanting that as well.
I’ve wondered what it would be like to have a padded bank account
and be free from the concern of meticulous budgeting. And when my
friend’s husband got a promotion and began bringing in six figures,
I dreamed of what that would be like.
God tells us in Exodus 20:17 that we’re not to covet.
What exactly does it mean to covet?
According to the dictionary:
“to desire wrongfully, inordinately,
or without due regard for the rights of others.”
Although I wasn’t exactly coveting these things I’ve mentioned,
I’ve recently felt checked by the Holy Spirit about even desiring
things that others have, because it takes my focus off of God.
Jesus was having an all-important conversation with Peter.
He was actually pulling back the curtain to Peter’s future and
revealing the life, ministry and death Peter would experience.
But Peter, looking around, saw John and asked about him.
“Peter asked Jesus, ‘What about him, Lord?’ “
(John 21:21 New Living Translation)
It may be natural to compare our lives with others—
but it’s not God’s will. His desire is that we remain
clearly focused on Him.
I confess I sometimes look at the ministry someone else has
and wonder why the ministry God has given me doesn’t
look like that.
Or I wish I had a spiritual gift I see in another.
But God is teaching me to keep my eyes on Him and to be grateful
for the specific ministry He has given me.
Dear Jesus, help me to be grateful for what I have remain
solely focused on You.
Thoughts?
I’d appreciate your prayers as I speak in Sharpsburg, IN
this weekend.
Good stuff, we always think the grass is greener on the ither side, not so. God has you right where he wants you. Praise his name, the spirit checks you. Prayers and bkessings over you.
Thank you so much Susie again! This was a big ouch! I’d love to see better drive like others have better health and more money! I must focus on Jesus where can I go but to him . I must remember He is enough. Thank you Lord for this reminder. Love and Prayers Susie you are appreciated . Sincerely Fawn Scott.
I think this applies to the kinds of relationships that we have. My parents and I do not have a good relationship, and when I am around parents of my friends that I am close with, I often find myself wishing desperately that I could have the kind of parents that my friends have or that my fiance has. I’m learning to focus on the good relationships that I do have and continue to grow in my walk with Jesus rather than focusing on the ones I don’t have. I know that the stronger I become in my good relationships, the better equipped I will be to deal with the bad ones.
I just to be debt free. No I don’t have credit card debt but it’s a struggle to have to work 3 jobs just to make ends meet.
I have found myself at times wishing I Could pray like they do, and know the Bible like she does. It’s small things I find myself wishing at times.Prayers as you get ready to share your God given talent. They will love you. Be Safe. ❤
Amen! Those other things often bring problems like upkeep etc with them. Being content with who we are, what our giftings are, what we have, is not always easy. Haven’t mastered it yet, but truly desire it and working on it with God’s help. Focusing on Jesus is most important thing. Thank you for this timely message! Praying for you as you minister in Indiana. Stay warm!