“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2
For many years I have been in the habit of keeping a journal. I love to write out prayers to God or testimonies of how I have seen God at work. Many times I write out a Scripture that stands out to me from reading my Bible or things I feel like God is saying to me. What always amazes me when I look back through these journals is how faithful God is, and how astonishing His timing is.
In February of 2020 I was experiencing a lot of anxiety. I just felt very unsettled and anxious over many things. Do you ever have times like that? I asked my prayer partner to pray for me about this and as she did, I felt this burden lifted and a lightness and peace come over me. The verse, “He [Jesus] himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14) came to my mind. After our call I sat a moment, and I pictured Peter walking on the water towards Jesus. When Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he walked ON the stormy waves. But when he took his eyes OFF Jesus, he sunk down into the waves. As soon as Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!”, Jesus immediately reached out for him and rescued him. Take a moment to read this account in the Bible in Matthew 14:22-36.
As I thought of this story, I began to picture myself in Peter’s place, looking to Jesus and miraculously walking above the difficulties I was experiencing at the time. I even illustrated this in my journal. I marvel now that just a couple weeks after this, the pandemic became widespread in the U.S. and life turned upside down. I kept this picture in my mind ALL year long and even now, well into 2021. It has been an encouragement to me.
I appreciate that Jesus gave us a heads up that we would experience hardship while in this world, but that He would help us: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Sometimes the challenges in our life are great, maybe the loss of a loved one, or a pregnancy loss, or a child that is struggling… And sometimes it is just the day-to-day challenges of raising children that weigh us down. If we let them, our challenges, great and small, can draw us closer to Jesus. God is faithful to help us when we call out to Him (Psalm 28:7). Even when I have blown it, again, with my kids, or had a conflict with my husband, when I take a moment to step away and call out to Jesus, He helps me in those moments! I notice that I suddenly have words to say, or my child suddenly has a better attitude and a softer heart. It truly is amazing to see the power of calling on the name of Jesus!
If you are going through something difficult right now, I encourage you to call out to Jesus. You don’t have to pray a complicated prayer. In fact, one of the most powerful prayers you can ever pray is simply, “Jesus, help me.” I am praying for you.
Dear Jesus, help me to walk on the ‘waters’ and keep my gaze on You. No matter the troubles that surround me, I will steadily gaze on you. I need you and I can do nothing apart from You. Help me, please. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
With Love,
Elizabeth and the Help Club for Moms Team
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One Comment on “Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus”
Wonderful and encouraging article. Thank you for sharing.