Nothing enraptures my attention quicker than a juicy novel, set in the 1800's complete with heroine, villain and painting a picture of life in the Wild West! My escape from reality deepens as my imagination sketches the characters in my mind's eye and echoes the accent with which the characters speak. A good story beckons my attention and very little dissuades me from my engrossment.
Thinking on the broken road of someone else's journey diverts my attention from the unpleasant reality of my own journey. The broken road can be an unexpected diagnosis, broken relationship, financial need, personal insecurities, a disappointed dream, addiction, lost job, personal failure... anything that interrupts our lives.
The momentary distraction of a novel can provide a relaxed respite and relieve our human minds. Be aware, however, that continued distraction can lead to destructive desperation and rescind the perspective that would allow our human mind to acquiesce to the mind of Christ.
How can we maintain our focus and preserve our faith, our family, our future in the midst of very real pain journeying on a broken road?
So consider carefully how Jesus faced such intense opposition from sinners who opposed their own souls, so that you won’t become worn down and cave in under life’s pressures. By looking away from the natural realm and fastening our gaze on Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God! Hebrews 12:1-3 TPT
We can learn something from students with Autism on this broken road. Often, these students have a difficult time with transition and often, perseverate on a topic, especially in the midst of unmanageable sensory input. Their perseveration can bring a calmness to their overwhelmed body, mind, or emotion and insulate them from what seems like personal danger.
Friends, often we look at Jesus, and then, grab something to eat. Look to Jesus, and then, we decide to watch our favorite show. Look to Jesus, and then, go to a sports event. Look to Jesus, and then socialize with friends. Look to Jesus, have a good cry, and experience relief that takes us away from His presence.
If we could fixate, perseverate, contemplate, or sit in the stillness of His presence with endurance, our hearts could find the protection they seek. Our minds could be calmed amidst unanswered questions. Our emotions could be soothed by the Creator who knows us intimately. We need to perseverate on Jesus because life is full of unmanageable sensory input on a broken road where we feel the need to watch our step, protect ourselves, and limit the trust we place in people.
Get up! Look up! Grow up if you must! Keep your eyes fixed on the One whom you cannot see but walks with you every mile of the broken road! Perseverate on Jesus! If we live within this mindset, I know (from personal experience), the broken road rarely leads to a preplanned destination but always leads to a God-ordained one. God will bless the broken road, and the journey will lead to what God has planned that is beyond your comprehension.
Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you. Ephesians 3:20 TPT
Take a minute and respond to the Holy Spirit.
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