Where Are Your Eyes Focused On?

John 5:44 (NIV)

How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

According to Jules Verne’s grand-niece, Marguerite Allotte de la Fuye, Jules had always been fascinated with travelling. This fascination caused him to stow away on a ship headed for the West Indies. At the next port, however, his father was waiting for him, and his adventuresome exploits were cut short. Rumors have it that he promised to never travel again, and his only way to keep that promise was to travel in his imagination.

Jules often rented a boat with his brother, Paul, for one franc a day. Jules loved to see the outbound ships heading for mysterious destinations, and this sparked his imagination. His passion was to write, and at times that resulted in some nasty consequences. When he attended law school, thanks to his father’s promptings, his father discovered that instead of spending his time with this studies, Jules was spending most of his time writing. His father promptly withdrew all financial support.

Interestingly, had Jules Verne become a lawyer, no one would know him today. Even though He was from France, his books were quickly translated, and even now, 200 years later, they are well- known and well-read. Some of his best known titles are: “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea”, “Around the World in 80 Days” and “From the Earth to the Moon”.

Even though Jules was easily distracted from his studies, nothing kept him from focusing on his writing. Imagine how much more determined we would be if we were able to focus as Jules Verne did? And what if we were to put that kind of focus on the One who really matter: Jesus, the Christ

How easy it is for us to be distracted by secondary “sideshow distractions.” It happens all the time!

Spending time with the truly Beloved One will revive us from our stupor. Honestly, are we really happy the way we are continuously searching for sideshow happiness? Instead, why not go for a walk with our Heavenly Father? Why not share our day with Him and hunger for His presence? Why not keep feeding that romance? After all, He is the One who loves us way more than all of our friends and possessions together, the One who willingly died for us on a cross, so that we could experience real happiness. And He invites us to come to Him and experience Him fully.

“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in.

Dear Lord, help us not get distracted with the things around us. Help us keep focused on You. May we be ready to experience You fully. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.