What You Focus On Matters

Friends, it is critical to pay attention to what we are focusing on because this can make all the difference in the way we live our lives.

Are you focusing on everything that is going wrong in your life or are you focusing on all the goodness God has brought into your life?

What you focus on truly does matter because it will determine the kind of day you will have each & every day. You will either be joyful despite the obstacles you are facing or you will always be disappointed because life isn't turning out the way you want it to.

Ephesians 4:26-27 In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

When we keep the right perspective we can overcome any obstacle, just like I did when I was planning the women's retreat. I kept telling myself "this is going to be an amazing retreat because the devil is pulling out all the stops, he's throwing every obstacle at me that he can in order to distract me." By realizing what was happening it helped me keep the right perspective. I will admit there are times when I have forgotten to remember this lesson, but it quickly comes back to me.

Every obstacle we face we should be saying "I must be coming into another blessing because the devil is coming at me again" and by doing so you will keep the right perspective which will prevent you from becoming frustrated and bitter.

Our wants are a big deal as well, periodically we should take inventory of them & verify if our wants align with what God wants. Too often we get caught up in our own selfishness, we believe we will be happy once we get everything we want. You know the perfect house, car, job, or perfect husband & kids. I certainly had these thoughts myself, but God reminded me that "things" do not make us happy and that though our kids or spouses may frustrate us from time to time we are BLESSED to have them. I have learned when I take my wants to God he shows me where my plans fall short of his will for my life and where I am being selfish and then God shows me how I need to surrender those wants for what HE wants for me.

Trust me it's a humbling process, the minute you are frustrated I encourage you to take your frustrations to God and ask him to show you where YOU need to change and trust me he will, I speak from personal experience. So be prepared because his answer may not be what you want to hear, but accepting his will is part of your surrendering.

Ephesians 5:15-16 Be careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Friends, we can live a fulfilling life despite all the obstacles we face, I challenge you to focus on all the blessings God has showered on you. Not everyone has had an easy life and I would never try to minimize or dismiss that, but God tells us in Philippians 3:13-14 "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

So your challenge this morning is to let go of past hurts, disappointments & frustrations, begin focusing on your future because God has AMAZING blessings in store for you!

Stay open to his will for your life!

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime