I sat with a friend during her last chemo treatment a few days ago.
She’s been through the ringer these past few months. Between a difficult pregnancy, a very premature delivery, a sick newborn, a cancer diagnosis and other assorted health issues… she has every reason to be in a fetal position on the floor.
But she’s not.
She would have good reason to be suffering from clinical depression or dealing with anger issues. It would make sense for her marriage of one year to be falling apart. No one would blame her if she became bitter and closed off.
But that’s not how she’s dealt with it.
Instead, my friend has handled things with an amazing amount of grace. She has cried and laughed. She has openly shared her journey so people know how to pray for her. She’s accepted help from others, something that can be very hard to do.
She’s been an example of someone who is living her faith out loud.
- When others might have taken their eyes off of God to look at their circumstances, she kept hers focused on His truths.
- When others might have hung their head in defeat, she lifted her face towards her Deliverer.
- When others might have turned their back on God in anger, she turned towards Him with open arms.
She had Tunnel Vision faith.
In the thick of her struggles, all she could see was… Him.
She didn’t look at the difficult circumstances all around her. Instead, she fixed her eyes on God.
I want to be more like that.
Sure, I trust God… a lot even. I lean on Him when things get tough. I know His plans for me are always good. I really do trust God in my journey.
But not all the time. Not consistently. Not always immediately.
Sometimes I stare right at my circumstances rather than looking at the only One who can save me.
How about you?
Deuteronomy 5:32 says “So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left.”
Simply put: God tells you to trust Him in your journey, keeping your focus only on Him.
And when you do, you’ll have Tunnel Vision faith.
Because in the midst of your struggles, all you will see… is Him.
Lord, help me trust You when my troubles threaten to overtake me. Remind me that my job is to keep my eyes on you, God, and not my trials and tribulations. Today, I am choosing to believe that You are who You say You are… and You will do what You say You’ll do. Amen.
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NOT always immediately http://www.smileisachoice.com/2011/08/single-focus/ <– I just think it's cool how He puts the same message on many hearts {then LEADS me to read them — UM, God what are you telling me!?!?}
I need to have TUNNEL VISION — duh!! It's ALL ABOUT Him. PERIOD! =)
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
Teri, I love when He moves in the body and the same message come out at the same time. That’s been happening a lot lately. Thanks for sharing that with me. Excited to get to know you better….
I love how you stated I CHOOSE to believe who God says He is. It is a choice. How it must delight Him when we have faith to believe past our circumstances or worldly view – and have eyes only for Him. Time for me to refocus today. Thank you!!
Jeanelle, it IS a choice, huh? We really do get to choose what we do and if we do it. I’m refocusing, too, dear friend! love you!
Carey,
The posts this week about our faith and trust in God in times of tough circumstances have been so timely for me this week. If for no one else, know that your words have had a strong impact on this woman as I have read them in the morning and then go on to face my day so very encouraged and reminded of God’s love and good plan for me.
You are a blessing! With love and thanks,
Ann-Marie
Sweet Ann-Marie! It is so good to hear from you. I’m so glad God is using my words to speak to your heart. Be blessed, sister!!
I like your metaphor of Tunnel Vision Faith. It is way too easy to become distracted. Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks for stopping by Ruth!
This reminds me so much of my sweet dad. He was diagnosed with cancer and rhumetoid arthritis in the same year, had a heart attack due to paracarditis the following year & found out he also has emphysema while he was in the hospital recovering. It has been a tough journey, but not once has he wavered His focus from Christ. His tunnel vision has been such an inspiration to our family. Thank you for this post & the opportunity it gave me to reflect on his example.
Brittany, how unfortunate for your family to have such a strong example to tunnel vision faith. What a generational blessing…
Carey – great words! I so appreciate you!
Hey sweet Jill! Thanks for stopping by. Great to hear from you… 🙂