"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)
There are actually eight different meanings to the word "fix", one of which is to direct one's eyes, attention and mind towards something in a steady, unwavering fashion.
When my daughter, Thada, was three-years-old, she taught me a powerful lesson. My husband and I had exchanged heated words, and I was upset. Thada said to me, "Look at the cloud!" I didn't respond immediately, and so she touched my face with her little fingers and tilted my head towards the sky. As I put my eyes on that cloud, I was able to describe its shape to her rather than "describing" (read nagging about!) my husband...
Most of us have issues to face while we are living in this world. Problems, challenges; and changing circumstances just go with the territory. One of the most difficult lessons to learn for us as believers is to fix our eyes on Jesus Christ instead of only on, "describing" (read focusing on, talking about, paying attention to...) our hardships.
We are, after all, believers in Jesus Christ, which is testified by the presence of the Holy Spirit in us. When we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the promises of the Bible come to life for us. The enemy will not win when our mind is fixed steadily on Jesus and on the promises in God's Word, for the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the most powerful name. From now on, I urge you that instead of thinking about the bad things, we must put our mind steadily on Jesus Christ and on God's promised word.
Here are a few powerful promises that we need to focus on in our spiritual battles:
"And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." (Genesis 3:15 NIV). With this truth in mind, we know that the enemy is defeated!
"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." (1 Peter 2:24 NIV; See also Isaiah 53:5). With this truth, we are assured of God's healing power.
"The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: 'This is the covenant I will make with them after that time,' says the Lord. 'I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.' Then he adds: 'Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.' And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary." (Heb. 10:15-18 NIV). This text reminds us of a very important truth: Our sins are forgiven! Period! We don't have to believe the lies of the enemy.
"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love...No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38a, 39 NLT) In other words, God's love is greater than even the most painful experience. We simply CANNOT be separated from the love of God!
And what about the believers who are still in the bondage of anger and hate, unforgiveness or needing to be forgiven, and hopelessness; living lives void of joy, love and peace; entangled with fear and in need of encouragement? What do we do when we need to be healed of our disbelief in Jesus Christ? When we require healing from our doubt? The answer is the same: "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)
And while we are fixing our eyes upon Jesus, we praise His holy name:
"Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name...and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed." (Psalms 103 NIV)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to fix our eyes on Jesus Christ so we find love, peace and joy, so that we can be healed completely according to your will. We would like to live our lives focusing on Jesus Christ who gives the victory. Our restoration is what we pray for. May we be rescued out of the lion's mouth. I ask this in Jesus Christ name above all name, king above all Kings, and Lord above all Lords (See John 14:13). Blessed be your name. Amen.
Sophie Chun Ngeth
San Bernardino, CA
