April 13: Stay the Course

I serve on the Quest Ministries team and this January Jason Moog introduced our theme of “FOCUS—having 20/20 vision in 2020” with our key verse of Hebrews 12:1-2.  

“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, 

fixing our eyes on Jesus, 

the author and perfecter of faith.”

At that point my race felt like a 5K run, requiring effort but not too difficult. However with the start of the Coronavirus, things suddenly changed. My 5K run now turned into a Class 5 white-water rafting trip as I became swept up in the current of the latest information, imagining what would be in store for me this year, like unknown rapids ahead.

So using that mental picture of a white water trip, here is how I am learning to combat my fears, keep my focus, and find peace.

1. Know that I am not alone in the boat trying to figure out the best course by myself. Jesus is in the boat with me. He is the only one who knows what lies ahead and what rapids I will go through. He has marked out my course and I can trust him to be with me. Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

2. As the rapids are coming closer and things are getting louder, I need to turn my focus onto Jesus as my guide. I need to hear his directions over the roar of the waters so that I know exactly when to paddle hard right, when to stop and now paddle hard left. This means at times shutting out the noise of the world and the media and not getting caught up in fear-filled conversations. Start my day reading his word first thing in the morning and reminding myself of them throughout the day keep me focused. Listen for the Holy Spirit to be speaking to me in His still small voice. Psalm 119:105 reminds us of this, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”  I can have peace when I trust that Jesus will guide me as I listen.

3. Know that as I go through rough rapids, I can expect things to fly out from the boat even though I did my best to tie them down. In the months ahead we may lose jobs, savings, our comfortable life, even our health. Expect loss but anticipate greater gain. First Peter 1:6-7 reminds us that trials refine our faith. “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Don’t let perceived loss prevent us from appreciating what we have that can never be lost—our relationship with Jesus. Keep our treasures and heart focused on the eternal. 

I pray that each of us will stay the course and cling to Him as our guide.

When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.

Isaiah 43:2a  

Dear Father,

Thank you that you tell us in your word

that we are to cast all our anxiety on you because you care for us. (1 Peter 5:7)

Thank you for being beside us every moment of every day and giving us the assurance

that you will lead and guide us when we look for you.

Lord, help us not be dismayed at the things you have allowed us to lose,

but help us rather to look to you with our hands now empty,

so that we can cling even tighter to you above all else.  

Thank you for your peace that passes understanding.  

We love you and trust you.  Amen

Shelter in Peace,

Tania Smith