Good Morning
Grab your bible and say this with me
This is my Bible
I am what is says I am
I have what it says I have
I can do what it says I can do.
Today I will be taught more of the Word of God
I boldly confess My Mind is alert
My heart is receptive.
I will never be the same.
I am about to receive the incorruptible, Indestructible ever-living seed of the Word of God
I will never be the same
I'll never be the same, In Jesus Name!
Amen.
“Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus: Strength to Face Life’s Trials”
Scripture Reading:
Turn with me in your Bible to Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) and say, "Amen" when you are there.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Introduction:
Life is a journey marked by both triumph and trial. Every person on this earth faces struggles: sickness, loss, rejection, financial stress, broken relationships, and personal failures. Sometimes these trials feel like mountains too steep to climb.
But God’s Word does not promise a life free from hardship. Instead, it offers something far better: the presence of Jesus to walk with us through every difficulty, and the power to endure and overcome.
Hebrews 12 invites us to fix our eyes on Jesus — not on our problems, our fears, or our pain. Today, we will explore how focusing on Jesus changes the way we face trials and gives us strength to keep running the race God has set before us.
Point 1: Trials Are Inevitable but Purposeful
Scripture: John 16:33
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
No believer is exempt from trials. Jesus told His followers plainly that hardship is part of life. The question is not if trials come, but how we respond to them.
Why does God allow trials?
To strengthen our faith: James 1:2-4 encourages us to consider trials as pure joy because they produce perseverance, making our faith mature and complete.
To shape our character: Romans 5:3-5 teaches that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope — qualities essential to spiritual maturity.
To deepen our reliance on God: When life is easy, we might forget our dependence on God. Trials remind us that apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).
Illustration:
Think about a blacksmith forging a sword. The sword must go through intense heat and repeated hammering to become strong and useful. Without the fire and the pressure, it remains soft and ineffective. Similarly, God’s trials refine us and prepare us for His purposes.
Point 2: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus Changes Our Perspective
Scripture: Hebrews 12:2
"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
To “fix our eyes” on Jesus means to focus our attention and trust on Him, above all else. Instead of being consumed by our troubles, we are invited to look to the One who leads us.
What does fixing our eyes on Jesus mean practically?
Daily prayer and Scripture reading: Spending time with Jesus helps us see beyond our immediate problems. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Remembering Jesus’ victory: Jesus endured the cross, despising its shame. Because He overcame death, we can face any trial with hope.
Trusting God’s sovereignty: Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things for the good of those who love Him.
Cultivating gratitude: Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us not to be anxious, but to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving, leading to peace.
Imagine a runner in a long race. If the runner looks down at the rough terrain, they may trip and fall. But if they look ahead to the finish line and the cheering crowd, their spirit is lifted, and they push forward.
Point 3: Jesus Understands Our Pain and Walks With Us
Hebrews 4:15-16
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence..."
Jesus is not distant or unaware of our suffering. He faced betrayal by friends, rejection by His own people, physical pain, emotional anguish, and ultimately death on the cross.
Jesus’ empathy means we can come to Him with our struggles.
He offers grace and mercy in our weakness.
We have a Savior who truly knows what it means to suffer.
Matthew 11:28-30 is an invitation to the weary and burdened: “Come to me...and I will give you rest.”
Point 4: Our Response to Trials Determines Our Victory
Scripture: James 1:12
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
We are called not just to endure trials but to persevere — to keep moving forward with faith.
How do we persevere?
Letting go of hindrances: Hebrews 12:1 urges us to “throw off everything that hinders” — such as bitterness, unforgiveness, worry, and sin.
Running with endurance: It’s a daily choice to keep trusting, keep hoping, keep loving.
Encouraging one another: Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to spur one another on in love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.
Celebrating God’s faithfulness: Remember past victories and God’s provision to fuel your faith.
The Story of George Mueller
George Mueller, a 19th-century Christian, cared for thousands of orphans without ever asking for money. He trusted God to provide daily needs and witnessed countless miraculous provisions.
Mueller said, “Faith is believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse.” He faced financial shortages and opposition but never wavered in faith. His eyes were fixed on Jesus, and God honored his trust with abundant provision.
Whatever trial you face today, remember these truths:
You are not alone; Jesus walks beside you.
Fix your eyes daily on Him through prayer and the Word.
Release what holds you back—anger, fear, doubt.
Persevere with hope, knowing God is faithful.
Practical steps:
Start and end each day reading a Psalm or a promise from God’s Word.
Keep a journal of God’s faithfulness and answered prayers.
Connect with a faith community for encouragement.
Surrender your burdens to Jesus in prayer regularly.
Altar Call:
If the weight of your trials feels too heavy today, Jesus invites you to come to Him.
Would you like to:
Receive His peace and rest?
Ask Him to carry your burdens?
Commit to trusting Him daily?
Pray with me:
Jesus, I admit I am struggling with the trials of life. I need Your help and Your peace. Please forgive me for trying to carry my burdens alone. Come into my heart and give me strength to fix my eyes on You. Help me to trust You no matter what comes. Thank You for Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed this, God hears you and welcomes you. Reach out to a pastor or Christian friend to walk alongside you in this new journey.
Closing Encouragement:
The road may be hard, but it is never without hope. Fix your eyes on Jesus — the author and perfecter of your faith. His love never fails, His strength is always near, and His victory is already won.
Run your race with joy, perseverance, and faith.
May God bless you richly.
