Faith Grows Where the Eyes Rest
FAITH GROWS WHERE THE EYES REST
Well, howdy, there, friend, I am so glad to find you stoppin’ in for a little while. You know, I was standin’ out in the yard yesterday watchin’ a lil’ ol’ chipmunk that was tryin’ to drag a cracker twice its size across the grass like it was hauling treasure for the king of the forest. And right then, it plum hit me. That little critter had more focus in him than most of us do on any Monday mornin’. It wasn’t worried about yesterday’s storms or tomorrow’s chores. It had its eyes locked on that there cracker like it was the single mission of its life. And I thought, “Lord, why can’t I live like that?” I want to look back someday and see that I spent my time and energy on things that really mattered, not on things that drained me dry like a leaky ol’ bucket in the heat of August.
Colossians 3:2, says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” And Psalm 90:12 reminds us, “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Those two verses are like guardrails keepin’ our focus right where it belongs.
Now, friend, let me confess somethin’ right here. I’m the last person who should be givin’ gardening advice. Every plant that crosses my threshold ends up lookin’ plum like it auditioned for a tumbleweed parade. Orchids, flowers, even succulents that are supposed to survive anything. They all wave the white flag and give up the ghost. The only reason our roses, Mountain Laurel bush, and Magnolia trees are still alive is because my husband has the gift. I may not keep plants alive, but I’ve kept three kids and four lil’ sweet dogs goin’ strong, so the Lord clearly knew where to give me grace.
But we’re not talkin’ about plants. We’re talkin’ about focus here. What you focus on plum gits to growin’. And nothing shows that better than the story of David and Goliath. Ol’ King Saul and the whole Israelite army stared at Goliath like he was sho’-nuff’ the world’s biggest problem. They talked about his size, his armor, his reputation. The more they stared, the bigger he kept on growin’ in their minds. Fear plum does that to you. But David looked at the same giant and saw somethin’ mighty different because his focus was real different. He remembered God’s faithfulness with the lion and the bear. He remembered God’s promises, too. He remembered who was really in control. The more David focused on God, the smaller that there giant seemed. Same giant. Different gaze. Different outcome, too.
Jesus plum lived the very same way. He never got to rushin’ through His days or squeezin’ people into time slots. He stayed present. He loved the person right in front of Him. He knew when to be restin’ and when to be pourin’ out. His focus shaped His time, not the other way around.
If we want to be growin’ our faith, our relationships, and our witness, then we have to be managin’ our focus instead of lettin’ our schedules be bossin’ us around. Maybe that there means listenin’ before talkin’, puttin’ down your phone, turnin’ off the noise, or lettin’ yourself be interrupted without plum fallin’ apart. Whatever you git to focusin’ on grows, and I want to look back someday and see that I focused on what mattered for God’s Kingdom.
Lord, help me fix my focus on You. Teach me to use my time wisely, love people well, and stay present in the moments You give me. Grow in me what brings You glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now, friend, as you git wanderin’ back into the wild, woolly world waitin’ for you, remember that life will scatter distractions all around you like a mischievous lil’ ol’ goat that comes sneakin’ into the garden, but God’s purpose don’t never scatter. Your plans may be wobbly like a lil’ newborn baby calf learning to stand for the first time, yet His direction stays as steady as the sunrise. Let every interruption, every delay, every unexpected twist become a gentle nudge from the One who’s shapin’ your heart. And when your carefully crafted plans crumble like a cookie left too close to the edge of the counter, rest in the truth that His plan is still standin’ tall, unshaken, and perfectly timed just for your good.
With joy,
Gwen
