Keep Your Focus

The victory that overcomes the world is our faith. Yes, faith! It means believing in what God has personally convinced you of achieving. In other words, faith is trusting in what God has said about your situation and putting in all your efforts to make it happen. That is what focus is. Keep your attention on a desired goal until it is fully achieved. So, hold on to your faith despite any stormy weather or life’s obstacles. Indeed, life’s obstacles come in various forms.

Examples include verbal attacks on your integrity, dealing with a chronic health condition, family crises, difficulty completing an academic programme, struggling with an addiction, experiencing miscarriages, or restarting a collapsed business or ministry.

It takes resilience and focus to reach your ultimate dreams. Remember, the race of life is won by those who are strong, determined, and persistent in the face of all adversities.

It takes determination to reach the good side of life, regardless of the obstacles that may serve as distractions. Therefore, distinguish between determination and distraction. Distractions may shift your focus, but you should remain emotionally confident in the outcome of a determined life.

For example, if people lie about you, understand the power of silence. When they distort the truth or malign you in your community, don’t be disturbed. In fact, when they insult you, don’t respond.

In this world, not everyone will love you. Sometimes, the more you try to explain yourself, the worse the situation becomes. So what should you do? Learn to be silent. The truth is, everything that has a beginning, ultimately has an end.

Keep your focus on the bigger picture despite emotional trauma or hurt. Life presents us with many obstacles, and when we can’t find help, thoughts of despair or even giving up can seem like the only options. However, hold on and don’t let the worst happen when you are so close to victory. Sometimes, the pain may be lasting, but it is not everlasting.

Life’s difficulties prepare us to become emotionally mature. Yes, life’s obstacles, when well handled, shape our character. Really? Yes! The Bible has countless examples. Joseph, for instance, learned about the importance of discretion at an early age. As immature as he was in his teens, announcing his greatness to his jealous brothers led to his immediate “exile” from his beloved father’s house.

Later in life, he understood the value of keeping silent about certain dreams until they are fully manifested. Additionally, the trials of rejection and false accusations mdash; from his brothers and Potiphar’s wife mdash; taught him about the vulnerability of the human heart in challenging circumstances.

In prison, Joseph had to learn to cope with people who easily forget support. After interpreting the dreams of the butler and the baker, Joseph expected the butler to remember him upon his release. However, the butler’s excitement upon his own restoration caused him to forget Joseph’s request.

For two full years, it is most likely that Joseph faced intense emotionsmdash;depression, anxiety, and possibly even a level of mental distress that could be likened to today’s mental health struggles. The world may not always be fair, but it rewards those who sustain a positive outlook.

The end of Joseph’s story, as prime minister or second-in-command in a foreign land, Egypt, illustrates what consistent focus bringsmdash;promotion.

You see, greatness in life is a package, and only those who are emotionally strong survive. These are the people who have built mental resilience to overcome tough times.

In keeping your focus on the bigger picture, one essential virtue to develop is love. Love allows you to smile amid obstacles and live a life free from bitterness. Love is God’s nature. It is a divine fruit of the Spirit that only the Holy Spirit can help us bear.

Those who love are careful with their words, even in challenging situations. Make the world a better place through your words.

Overcome lies, bitterness, and fear with faith in Christ and His Word. He never disappoints. With time, when your divine character is fully formed and your ability to withstand emotional crises becomes unbreakable, the world will recognize your uniqueness and applaud your achievements. That is how God works.

So, be strong. Be calm. Be wise. Be prayerful. Be patient. Be loving. Speak less. Keep your focus, and finally, let your good works speak for YOU.

The writer is an academic, visiting lecturer, leadership consultant, author, and the lead pastor of Wordsprings City Church, Kumasi.Dr. Patrick Owusu/Pastor/Lecturer/Author