Eyes on the Prize – catchy title, wouldn’t you say?!
Humorously, I probably picked up the phrase from a Hallmark or some such. But what we’re talking about here is something deeper, longer lasting, and further out.
Think of your goal(s) as your prize. To pursue these goals and these efforts leads you closer to your prize. And ultimately your prize should center around being your best for God and fulfilling the role He has designed especially for you!
Looking Back
One of my favorite ideas about keeping your eyes on the prize is that it discourages you from looking back too much. Now to me, there is more than one way to look back on the past and I think if we are guarded, in some ways it can be very good, but in general it is better to press forward.
One could look back on pleasant events and conversations, encouraging words and reminders, even photographs and stories and be encouraged and inspired.
But if one looks back with regrets, words left unsaid, too many words said, the wrong words said, etc, etc, that holds no lasting value. We must definitely consider these situations and learn from them, but then we must move on. Don’t go there again.
Just What I Need
I was recently reminded of this at the most incredibly appropriate time. I declare, God certainly knows what I need when I need it! Uncertainty and questions kept popping into my head. Not that I wanted them there, but they just kept coming. And then I read a simple reminder to focus on what lays ahead and let go of what is past. Eyes on the prize, so to speak.
This simple shift was revolutionary. The doubt and uncertainty tapped me on the shoulder again, and I just shrugged it off. That’s past, I told myself. I’m pressing on! After a few more opportunities to resist the negative thoughts, my mind cleared and I was better set to press on with what lay ahead!
“We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
Human reasoning and false arguments – sounds a lot like those discouraging thoughts that like to sneak in, doesn’t it? Let us remember that we are abundantly equipped for the trials and difficulties we face! Let’s press on and keep our eyes on the prize!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Do you have goals? Be sure they excite and inspire you: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2016/10/10/whats-your-plan/