I recall a chaotic moment at work when a severe stomach pain struck without warning. With a critical task requiring my full attention, I couldn’t afford to show weakness or take a break. The pain was intense, but I knew I had to push through. In a moment of desperation, I made a conscious decision to shift my focus away from the agony and onto the task at hand. As I did, something remarkable happened. The pain didn’t vanish, but its grip on me loosened. I was able to complete my work effectively and even find a sense of productivity amidst the discomfort. That experience taught me a valuable lesson: our focus can either magnify or minimize our struggles. By choosing to focus on something greater than our pain, we can unlock the strength to overcome and discover new opportunities that God has prepared for us.
We often focus on our problems, struggles and fears, giving them power over our lives. This focus can lead to missed opportunities, stunted growth and spiritual stagnation. We get bogged down by the everyday challenges of life, such as:
– Chronic illnesses or pain
– Financial struggles or debt
– Relationship issues or conflicts
– Work-related stress or burnout
– Emotional struggles like anxiety, depression, or grief
– Spiritual doubts or feelings of isolation
The struggles we face can be overwhelming, making it difficult to see a way forward. They can consume our thoughts, emotions and energy, leaving us feeling drained, hopeless and disconnected from God’s purpose. When we focus on our pain, we can become isolated, withdrawn and stuck in a cycle of negativity. We may start to question God’s goodness, His love and His presence in our lives. We may feel like we’re walking alone, without guidance or support. But this is exactly where the enemy wants us to be, stuck in our struggles, blinded to God’s truth and disconnected from His power.
When we shift our focus to God’s Word, promises and character, everything changes. We begin to see our struggles in a new light, as opportunities for growth, refinement and transformation. We start to understand that our pain is not pointless, but rather a catalyst for our spiritual journey. We begin to experience God’s strength, comfort and guidance in the midst of our struggles and we discover a sense of purpose, joy and fulfillment that transcends our circumstances.
As we attempt to shift our focus, we may encounter obstacles that hinder our progress. Some common challenges include:
– Distractions: social media, email, phone notifications, or other external distractions
– Fear: fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or fear of success
– Doubt: questioning God’s goodness, His love, or His presence in our lives
– Comfort zone: reluctance to change or step out of our comfort zone
– Pride: refusing to acknowledge our struggles or seek help
Shift your focus! As Paul wrote, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). Paul knew a thing or two about struggles. He suffered from a mysterious ailment, often referred to as a “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Despite his repeated prayers for healing, God chose not to remove the affliction. Instead, God’s grace was sufficient for Paul, and he learned to focus on the strength he received from Christ despite his weakness.
Practical Steps:
1. Acknowledge your pain, but don’t let it define you
2. Shift your focus to God’s Word, promises, and character
3. Practice mindfulness and meditation on Scripture
4. Set goals and priorities aligned with God’s purpose
Take a moment to reflect on your journey and answer the following questions:
What are the biggest distractions or obstacles that hinder my focus?
How can I apply the practical steps to my current struggles?
What are some specific areas where I want to see growth or change?
How can I hold myself accountable and stay focused on
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to shift my focus from my pains and problems to Your promises and purposes. Give me eyes to see Your plans and the strength to pursue them. May I not be blinded by my circumstances but instead, may I be transformed by Your renewing power, amen!
Don’t let the noise in your heart distract you from God’s will. Shift your focus and discover a life of purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
