Our Family Time With God

Sept. 27, 2009

GREAT CONCENTRATION

ON FACING THE FUTURE

Scripture Reading--Acts 2:46-47

" And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking

bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness

of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And

the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved"

( emphasis added )

He who aims at nothing will certainly hit it! Many challenges in life require great concentration. That's especially true in the sports world--hitting a golf ball straight down the middle of the fairway, shooting a jump shot into the basket at 20 feet, kicking a field goal through the uprights at 35 yards.

A colony of ants lived in a golf course sand trap. A golfer hit a ball into the trap. When he tried to hit the ball out of the sand, he missed several tries and destroyed many ants in the process. One ant said to another, "If we're going to get out of here alive, we better get on the ball!" That fellow didn't know much about concentration.

Concentration requires intense focus. The early church had that kind of focus and did everything with "singleness of heart" ( v. 46 ). Christian families need that kind of focus to face the future's uncertainties.

Peter lost his concentration. In Matthew 14, we read that Jesus invited Peter to walk on the water with Him. Peter was doing great until he took his eyes off the Lord and focused on the storm. Immediately, he began to sink. "Lord, save me!" he cried. Jesus rescued him but also rebuked him for his lack of faith ( v. 31 ).

As you face future unknowns, you must maintain an intense focus on the Lord, on His Word, and on prayer. If you take your eyes off Him, your faith will falter; and you, too, will sink under the "waves" that threaten to wash over you.

APPLICATION: What potential "storms" do you anticipate facing in your future? How can you prepare so you will not lose your concentration? What can you do to maintain your focus?

--Jack Palmer--