Have Tunnel Vision For Jesus

I ran track in high school. The 400 meter was my race, a tough, all-out sprint, once around the track. The first time my coach told me I was going to run this race, I asked him for tips. He pointed out to the track and told me to start out quick around the first curve, stride it out fast on the backstretch and really kick it in strong at the end. Okay, I thought, fast, faster and then really fast! Standing on the line, my eyes fixed in my lane, I poured it on.

Once a runner is engaged in her race, no thoughts, no commotion on the track, no outcries from onlookers will halt her stride or move her gaze. There is one finish line at the end of her lane and that is where she will arrive. No need to look to the right or left or wonder who may be before or behind her. She fixes her eyes straight ahead and runs.

I always wanted to make Coach Eck proud. A good coach supports, inspires and makes clear the path to success for his athletes.  Eck was a coach we could look up to. How much more can I look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith, for the endurance and perseverance to run the race He sets before me? How much more insignificant the distractions and doubts falling away behind me? I will focus on Jesus and run to His glory.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2