Momentarily Distracted
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus … so that you will not grow weary.
Hebrews 12:2,3
It was the state track and field championships, and James was confident. He’d cruised to victory in his qualifier and didn’t expect any serious competition in this event.
He’d trained hard for the one-hundred-meter hurdles, spending several hours each day perfecting his technique. He could soar over all ten hurdles, clearing them by no more than an inch. It was all in the snap and lean.
“Take your mark, set … ” Pow! The starter’s pistol sounded.
James got a good start and quickly took the lead. Snap the leg, stretch for the next hurdle, stride, he repeated to himself.
As he approached the final hurdle, James’ lead had increased to ten meters over his nearest competitor. Glancing left and right to see where everyone else was, James’s focus was momentarily distracted—just long enough for him to mistime the last hurdle.
Striking the top of the hurdle with his lead foot, James stumbled and fell headlong onto the track.
What had appeared to be a state title turned into devastating disappointment.
As he lay there regaining his senses, James realized he’d struck the hurdle because he’d waited too long to look back. That split second of distraction had caused him to misjudge the distance; it had cost him the race.
†
It only takes one brief moment to become distracted. The pride of self-sufficiency can take our eyes off our intended target. In doing so, even for a moment, we can miss the mark, become disoriented, and possibly lose the race.
Distraction is one of Satan’s most frequently used weapons. “Hey, over here,” he whispers. And we unwisely give credit to a defeated enemy, looking away from Jesus for a glimpse at the world.
It’s hard to remain constantly focused on Christ, not giving rent to the devil.
That’s why the author of Hebrews was so adamant about fixing our eyes on Jesus, not just casually glancing His way once in a while.
There will always be hurdles in life, and we must have single-minded purpose if we are to clear them safely.
Prayer
“I tend to lose sight of You from time to time, Lord. Help me fix my sight on You alone. Amen.”
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