Stay Focused on What’s Important

Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. Isaiah 50:7

In a small Wisconsin town on the southern shore of Lake Superior, the annual dogsled derby was about to begin. The racers were all children – from older boys with several dogs and big sleds, to one little boy who had only a small sled and a dog. On the signal, the sleds took off and the little fellow was soon so far behind that he hardly seemed to be in the race at all. Then about halfway through the race when the second-place team tried to move into first place, the sleds got too close and the dogs began to fight. As each of the other sleds in the race came upon the fight, more dogs got involved. The scene was soon one big seething knot of kids, sleds, and dogs. All thought of racing had vanished from the minds of the racers. However, the one little guy and his dog managed to skirt the others and went on to win the race. RightPath founder and business coach Jerry Mabe tells employers that when they hire managers, they should look out for ‘shiny object’ people. Why? Because like children, they are easily distracted by other things and the job suffers under their watch. To succeed you must stay focused on what’s important, and pursue your goals without wavering or hesitating. Keep your eyes on the finish line, trusting God to help you. He will. His Word says so: ‘Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame.’

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me always to stay focused on the main thing and not get distracted in the “dog fights” of life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen