The past year was such a season in our lives. Unexpected challenges arose in a steady stream, sometimes coming in multiples. As each one neared its end, I found myself believing, hoping, that the season was over, yet there was still more to come. Many important things, including my writing and this blog, were shelved as my energy and attention were focused on what was happening in our lives.

There were difficulties, but there were also numerous blessings. We were reminded again and again that God had his hand upon us, and that we would make it though. I needed several reminders from my wife along the way that our track record of coming through our difficulties with God’s help was one hundred percent. Even so, keeping close to God was challenging at times, and my own relationship with God suffered at some points. I knew that God was the Strong Tower I was meant to run to and be saved, but exhaustion from what felt like perpetually treading water, and my fears about the future, often weakened my spiritual resolve, and my spiritual disciplines occasionally suffered.

Recently, God reminded me of his faithfulness in the past, and I drew strength and resolve from those victories. I realized that my focus was off and I needed to make an adjustment. Just as my annual eye exam often yields a new set of glasses so I can see clearly, I needed the Holy Spirit to assess and adjust my spiritual lens to sharpen that focus as well. I could not sacrifice what was most meaningful and necessary because I was busy, fearful, and tired. In fact, those very realities mean that I needed even greater focus on what mattered most.

Jesus never sugarcoated our reality. In John 16:33, he says it succinctly and clearly, “In this life you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” These were words I needed to hear and apply to my life. Troubles would be a part of life, but my focus was never meant to be on the difficulties, but on the One who overcame the world, so that I could overcome by obstacles. My focus was meant to be on Christ, and Christ alone.

All this, brings me to today. There are still battles to be fought, fears to subdue, and victories to be won. A season of rest may be on the horizon, or the stream of challenges may still continue. Either way, my focus is on the One who will lead me through. It is time to write and blog again. It is time to laugh and savor life. It is time I am given to be with God, and to become who God is making me to be.

Thank you for your patience as I wandered through my desert. I look forward to our continued conversation here at the cafe. I pray that, if you are going through your own challenging seasons, you will focus on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Don’t let another day go by, trading your joy for worry, or exchanging your peace for confusion. Give your attention to the One who overcame for your sake, and who makes you to be an overcomer in every circumstance!

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I frequently receive this question or some variation of it. People want to know what to do to strengthen their faith walk, to help them through difficult times and give them the power to live victorious lives. It is a good question when our desire is to know God’s will and plan for lives and when we intend to act on that knowledge, but it can be deceiving when we are looking for a shortcut to deep faith.

Stay up late most any night to watch a little television in the wee hours of the morning and you will discover a myriad of infomercials selling shortcuts. There are secrets to losing weight, looking younger, and building muscle. Buy the right item and your housework will be a breeze, broken items will look like new and your car will run forever. Some of these products may be effective, but the deeper philosophy all of them share is that there is a hidden, almost magical way, to accomplish goals that simply require effort to achieve.

Bring this philosophy into the Christian life and you find many people who are looking for that same magical step that will lead them to a deep and powerful walk with God. Ultimately, it is a search for a shortcut around putting in the effort to grow in faith.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians says this, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (3:13b-14) It turns out there is a secret, but it is not a shortcut. Rather, Paul makes it clear that growing in the Christian life is the result of intentionally avoiding distractions and pressing on toward the goal of Christ.

He uses athletic terms to drive the point home. A serious, competitive runner sets her mind on the goal. Previous successes and failures are set aside so she can attend to the task at hand. Then, with great focus, she devotes herself to the goal. With her senses, skills and strength committed to the task, she gives her all to win the prize.

So, what is the secret to successful living? It is not surprising, nor is it a shortcut. The secret is to commit your ways, your very self to the Lord, and allow him to direct your paths. Avoid distractions and press on, focused on the goal of Christ, and give your all to the task at hand. There is no shortcut, just the the strength of focus and the power of doing that “one thing.”

Let us continue to run the race, eyes on Christ as we commit to doing that one thing, and let us encourage one another so that we may all finish well.

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