This is the title of my Pastor’s teaching today: “Fix
Your Eyes On Jesus”. Thank you Pastor
Ryan for these pertinent reminders of where we find the source of our faith,
grace and strength. My pastor's teaching today
focused on Hebrews 12:1-17, one of my favorite and encouraging passages in scripture. It is full of advice that warn us of sin’s
destructive effects, God’s discipline for believers and words of encouragement for
God’s children. Pastor Ryan’s words
resonated with me on a deep level. This week, I will begin my first full week
of serving as the Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. This is the
ministry in which God has called me to lead 17 servants, and 150 women and
children as we learn to grow closer to God through the study of His word over the course of 31 weeks. Sandwiched in between my two days of ministry is
a full day of chemotherapy. Some have
questioned my ability to fulfill my ministry duties because of my cancer
treatment. Several loving brothers and
sisters have expressed concern for my health, which I appreciate beyond
words. Others think my ministry is a waste of time
and I should focus on my own healing. I appreciate everyone’s concern, I however
have never doubted my ability to stay strong.
I have a terrific team of doctors who have my front, and the God of the
universe has my back.
Pastor Ryan reminded us today that if we “fix our eyes
anywhere else other than God, we are doomed to fail”. Hebrews 12: 1-3 says this: “Therefore, since we are
surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that
hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with
perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 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.3 Consider him who endured such opposition from
sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Even before
Christ went to the cross, to die for our sins, He recognized the “joy set before him”. I am so grateful for these words as I approach
yet another chemo treatment and a busy week laid out before me. I intend to engage these approaching challenges of taking my medicine and serving God’s kingdom with joy. I have
faith God will equip me and my brothers and sisters in Christ will be my
witness, helping me along the way. As I
submit to the Father, He will expose my sins and will equip me to conquer them. Through His discipline, I will grow in my desire
to share His holiness. I will engage the
challenges of the race set before me with joy so that others may see His
holiness in me. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are
wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are
achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but
on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is
eternal.”
Yes, my body
may be wasting away, but the glory that awaits me gives me endurance and
joy. Despite my illness and the
treatments that may weaken my body, I feel stronger than ever. I know this season of troubles and challenges
is temporary. I also see how God is
equipping me, so that I can share His holiness with others. I am going to fix my eyes on that which is
eternal. There is no better medicine
than that.
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