Focus

We tend to think of the New Year as a time for a clean slate.

We make resolutions and all too quickly abandon them.

Some of this can be attributed to our human nature.

Some can also be attributed to our focus.

Asking what we should do for ourselves is one thing.

Asking God what He desires of us and our service to others is another.

The opening of the very first Psalm provides us with some valuable insight.

Psalm 1:1-3 (NET) - How blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand in the pathway with sinners, or sit in the assembly of scoffers! Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the LORD’s commands; he meditates on his commands day and night. He is like a tree planted by flowing streams; it yields its fruit at the proper time, and its leaves never fall off. He succeeds in everything he attempts.

Notice the Psalmist’s words that “it yields its fruit at the proper time”.

This reminds us that it even when our focus is on His will we might not necessarily see results right away.

This is something we struggle with as impatient human beings.

Examine those who followed Jesus throughout His life.

They eventually became powerful witnesses.

But this did not happen right away.

The opening of the book of Acts reminds us of what transpired between the resurrection of Jesus and His ascension.

Over the course of forty days, Jesus appeared to the apostles many times.

He offered them proof that He had conquered death.

He gave them very specific instructions.

He also promised them what was still to come.

Acts 1:4-5 (NET) - While he was with them, he declared, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait there for what my Father promised, which you heard about from me. For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

The apostles then asked if this was the time that God would restore the kingdom to Israel.

Jesus reminded them that timing rested solely in God’s hands.

He also told them of what was to be theirs.

Acts 1:8 (NET) - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth.”

Jesus then ascended into Heaven.

Those who followed Jesus went into hiding after his crucifixion.

They feared for their very lives.

Once Jesus ascended into Heaven, they found themselves alone once more.

But now they had a new promise.

A promise that was dependent on God’s timing instead of their own.

This was realized on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon each one.

Only then would they become powerful witnesses.

If you have made a resolution and failed to keep it, don’t feel bad.

Focus on God and trust in His timing.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, January 13, 2017.

I’ll be back here on Friday, January 20, 2016