Fourth-Quarter Focus

“So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12)

“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

A week ago, the Tennessee Titans had their game against the Houston Texans “on ice.” They had a seemingly insurmountable lead in the fourth quarter and needed only to stay focused, keep playing well, and close out the contest. But what happened? The Texans increased their intensity, while the Titans relaxed a bit. In sports lingo, they started “playing not to lose” rather than playing to win. The Texans caught up and took the lead. The Titans escaped by kicking a last-second field goal to win, 38-36. For you and for me, the fourth quarter of 2007 is well under way; it’s hard to believe November is upon us. As we look to finish the year well, how focused are we on what matters most? What are we still “pressing on” to see achieved this year—spiritually, physically, relationally, vocationally, financially? What distractions might have captured our focus along the way? What “good work” has the Lord begun in each of us that we can trust Him to complete, as we fix our attention fully on His good plans?

Thank You, Lord, that Your mercies are new every morning. Thank You that regardless of how we might have missteped, or allowed distractions to enter our lives, You are more than able to help us get back on track. Thank You for the good work that You have begun in us during 2007, and thank You that You are faithful to complete it as fix our eyes on You in the coming weeks and beyond. Amen.