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‭‭Hebrews 12:2 AMP‬‬

[2] [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].

This is a fairly long version of the verse under consideration today, but the message is clear and unmistakable. There are distractions everywhere you turn; there is always a matter that will present itself as pressing or urgent, but it is critical to my earthly impact and eternal reality that I know what really matters, so I can focus my strength and labour on that which can guarantee eternal rest. There is no use being known as a man of many parts, but with no record in heaven of the things God considers to be key to reigning with Him at the end of my life. The example of Jesus is the perfect sacrifice laid before us, and I will do well to consider his life's lessons and apply myself accordingly. First, there is the big picture. Jesus knew what lay ahead and He was determined to see it to the end. I must keep the end in view, so that my labour can be properly interpreted. I am not labouring in vain or fighting aimlessly; there is an end that has been determined by God, and it is by focus that I will achieve that end. 

Secondly, His life's choices give me an idea of how I can please God. Jesus got to a point where the cross looked too heavy to bear, and He prayed, asking that if it were possible, the cross should pass over Him, but he left it all in God's mighty hands. As long as it was the perfect will of God,  He would submit to it. That must be my default setting too; life will happen to all of us, but it is important to prepare for life with the help of the One who owns life and has experienced all that life may throw at me. I cannot afford to take my eyes off the One who can help me, because the devil knows how to provide an alternative to the right option. There can be no vacuum, so if God is not filling up my heart, be sure that the devil is on-site, and he will do anything to keep my focus off Jesus and on the size and depth of my present experiences. Like Jesus, I must remember that it is not a permanent situation, but one that leads to eternal glory. The pain of the present is God's way of sorting out the glorious future that is ahead. How's your focus? What you see defines what you get. God's time of favour is here.