All of us struggle at times with FOCUS (at least I think some of us do). Just some thoughts I picked up years ago from John Maxwell. I have re-fried them and shared them with adults and students alike on many occasions. I trust that this will encourage you.
The setting: Matthew 16:17-19 where Peter makes the astonishing revelation that Jesus is the Christ the son of the living God. Then just a few verses later Jesus has to rebuke him.
Matt 16:23
23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men." NKJV
I believe that Peter lost his focus in those moments following his great revelation.
How many times have we been to the mountain top so to speak and heard the voice of the Father so clearly just to come back down and lose what we learned.
I want to offer some suggestions that may help us all.
F orget the past. (Philippians 3:12-14)
O utwork the competition (John 14:12; James 2:19,20)
C ommit (2 Timothy 1:12 in context)
U tilize your advantage (1 John 4:4; 5:4)
S eek God first. (Matthew 6:33)
Take this and use it. It helps us stay focused both on the mountain top and down in the valley.
Ed
