Hebrews 4:1 says, "Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight..." (That is fear, worry, concern, anxiety) "...and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus...."
Now the Amplified Translation says, "Looking away from all that will distract to Jesus." When the enemy brings all these things before you, he is trying to get your attention off of the Savior, the Anointed One.
He is distracting you from the anointing in you and the job you're supposed to do in the kingdom, by bringing your attention to cares, worries, and concerns of the world. So what should you do? Look unto Jesus.
Looking unto Jesus is looking at what the Word said. When you get what the Word said, it will give you rest. Now, I had to deal with cares with one of our building projects. I asked my congregation to pray about three things concerning the new facility.
Pray that the steel arrived supernaturally early. Pray that those who were working would have wisdom, understanding, and strength. Pray for the best weather. I had to look unto Jesus because if these things didn't happen like that, it would have cost us extra money. In addition to that, it would have pushed back the move.
So I had to look unto what the Word said. And the Word said to me, my God does supply all the needs. The word said unto me, fear not. Be not worried or dismayed or have anxiety about anything. The word told me, to give Him thanks that it's done. So that's what I had to do. Looking unto Jesus gave me rest and peace.
Now, that's a decision. It takes a decision of quality to look away form all that will distract and look only to Jesus. That means you have to have courage, because your face is going to be against the wind.
But as you set yourself to look to Jesus, then it will be just as God said. You decide which way it's going to be. And then look to Jesus regardless of what comes your way.
Scripture references: 2 Corinthians 4:18; Hebrews 12:1-4
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).
