Day 70 — Keeping Our Eyes Fixed on Jesus

Main verse

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; […]”
— Hebrews 12:2 (excerpt) (KJV)

Meditation

The walk of faith is like an endurance race. Enthusiasm at the start is not enough; we must learn to continue when the road grows long, weariness sets in, and results are slow to appear.

The author of Hebrews invites us to lay aside what weighs us down. Some burdens are sins to leave behind. Others are worries, comparisons, or unrealistic expectations that consume our spiritual energy.

But it is not enough to look at what we must lay down. We must also know where to direct our gaze: Jesus, the One who opens the way of faith and brings it to fulfillment.

To look to Jesus is to return to his life, his words, his cross, and his resurrection. It is to remember that our faith rests first not on our ability to hold on firmly, but on his faithfulness in holding us.

We can waste time constantly measuring the strength of our faith. Is it great enough, pure enough, or steady enough? This introspection sometimes ends in discouragement. A fragile faith turned toward a faithful Savior holds more hope than confidence placed in its own strength.

Jesus himself passed through opposition, suffering, and shame. He knows the cost of perseverance. When we weaken, he does not watch us from a distance; he accompanies us along the road he traveled before us.

The road still holds some unknowns. But we know whom to look toward. The Christ who called us remains the One who will lead us to the finish.

Psalm

Psalm 16:8–11 (KJV)

⁸ I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. ⁹ Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. ¹⁰ For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. ¹¹ Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Further Bible reading

Hebrews 12:1–3; Philippians 3:12–14; 2 Timothy 4:6–8

Suggested hymn

The Church Hymnal (1941), no. 390 — “Nearer, Still Nearer”

View the hymn reference ↗

Prayer

Lord Jesus, when I am weary or distracted, turn my gaze back to you. Show me the burdens I must lay aside and give me perseverance to continue. May my trust rest less on the strength of my faith than on the faithfulness of the One who leads me. Amen.

A thought to keep

The strength of my walk comes not from looking at myself, but from continually turning my gaze back to Jesus.

Personal Notes

What would you like to remember, pray about, or put into practice today?