Fix Your Eyes on the Prize
Day 1, Week 2 - Focus
Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV)
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Every day, we choose what to focus on, what will command our attention and shape our direction. Whether we realize it or not, our focus sets the course of our lives. Hebrews 12:2 calls us to “look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” In this race of faith, we’re not just invited to run but to set our eyes intentionally on the goal ahead. And the goal isn’t a “what.” It’s a “who.” Jesus is our prize, our purpose, our reason for pressing on.
Imagine trying to run without a clear end in mind. You’d be exhausted before you even began. With no direction, you’d quickly feel frustrated, questioning why you started in the first place. Life can feel like this when we live without a clear focus. Without purpose, we’re left feeling lost, drained by the demands of our own aimlessness. But Hebrews reminds us that our race has purpose. It’s not about wandering through life. It’s about running with the clear aim of knowing Christ more and becoming more like Him.
Paul echoes this encouragement in Philippians 3:13-14: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Notice the word “press.” This isn’t passive. It’s active, determined, and relentless. Paul is saying that he lives his life in pursuit of Jesus, letting everything else fall aside. Hebrews calls us to do the same, to run with eyes so focused on Christ, that every step and every struggle is centered in our commitment to Him.
Focusing on Jesus is also acknowledging that there are countless distractions along the way. It’s easy to let our gaze drift. Maybe it’s stress at work, a relationship that demands all your energy, or a fear that weighs you down. Whatever it is, we all have those things that pull our eyes away from Christ and fix them on what’s temporary or worldly. Colossians 3:2 reminds us, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” This doesn’t mean ignoring our responsibilities or struggles, but it does mean keeping them in perspective. Jesus is the only One who brings eternal meaning to the challenges we face each day.
Today, ask yourself what has captured your gaze. Are you focused on Jesus, or have you let temporary things steal your attention? Fixing your eyes on Jesus is more than just looking at Him. It’s making Him the focus of every choice, every thought, and every step.
Reflect: What areas in your life have taken the place of Jesus as your primary focus? How can you redirect your attention back to Him?
Pray: Jesus, I want to fix my eyes on You. Help me see past my distractions and focus on the joy You offer me.
Act: Set aside time today to pray or read Scripture before you start your day. Ask God to align your heart with His purpose.
