“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2 KJV).
Have you heard of the guy who said, “Lord, please give me patience and I want it now.” Patience means to be steadfast and unmoved. Focus helps you to be patient.
Even Jesus focused on something when He was going through persecution. He focused on the joy that was set before Him. What was that joy? That He would rise from the dead and stop being the only begotten son of God and become the first born of many brethren.
In the middle of tough times, you must find something to focus on. Now, the Word of God told us look unto Jesus. We are to do the same thing He did in tough times. We ought to focus on the Word of God. We ought to focus on what Jesus has done for us. We ought to focus on the fact that because of the Word we are victorious. Keep focusing on that point and refuse to move. Be patient and stay with that focus.
I’ve done a lot of things. People have asked me, how I can do all those things at one time. Focus – I’ve learned how to focus. If you meditate the Word of God it will teach you how to do that. I’ve learned how to be able to focus on something I want to do. I’ve learned to focus on that point and not get moved by anything. Just focus on it and be patient with it. Find your goal, keep your focal point, and stay with the plan. If it was a good plan before the pressure came, it is still a good plan.
One other thing we read in the Scripture is that sometimes you just have to shout for it. Now, I don’t know what your personality is. You might be the smile kind. You might be the laughing kind. Or you just might be the “I’m going to shout it off” kind. But for a couple of moments I want you to understand that your circumstance, whatever you are dealing with, is so small compared to the power of God. Praise God!
Scripture References: 2 Cor. 4:17-18; Phil. 2:8-10
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Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).