Don’t take your eyes off the prize

2 Timothy 2:1-4  You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

The Apostle Paul was encouraging his protege’ Timothy for his service to the Lord. Timothy had been with Paul and he was growing into his own ministry. He had been learning from the best on how to have a sole purpose in life; to share the Good News that Christ has come to save the world. Paul had no other focus than to preach Christ at all costs, and many times the costs were extreme. But his faith never wavered and his focus remained. Timothy had been a witness to these events and knew well what he was getting himself into as a disciple of Christ. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

When you embark on the journey of a growing relationship with your Lord, you will face obstacles of many kinds that will either draw you closer, or draw you away from Christ. Every event in your life can have that effect. It can be blessings, or it can be turmoil; but either way where does your focus remain? 4a No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life. Satan could fill your day with overflowing blessings and your attention could be drawn from your purpose. Satan could fill your day with turmoil and your attention could be drawn away. Never let your eyes or your hearts attention be moved away from the One who has designed or allowed every event that happens in your life. Give thanks for where He has you today, and grow closer to Him as a result of where you are today. 4b that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.