How's your focus?

Hebrews 12:2 - Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

How do you keep your focus on a run? Do you listen to some good tunes? Do you just let your mind wander and listen to your surroundings? Running is more than just physical exercise it is mental exercise!

I get distracted easily so I have to do a few things to keep me focused on a run in order to achieve the endurance I desire for today. My little routine is: I have to chew gum:-), then I set my watch, set up my tunes on my iPod; stretch a little; washcloth in one hand and waterbottle in the other....I know this is crazy but it helps me to begin to clear my mind and focus on achieving my desired goal for today.

The same is true in my life......I have to daily fix my eyes on Jesus. Set my eyes/mind on Jesus.....and don't look away from Him. That may not be hard for you but it is hard for me. I never thought I had ADD(attention deficit disorder) but I am definately beginning to wonder.
In the Amplified version it literally says - "Looking away from all that will distract, to Jesus who is the Leader and the Source of our faith." I not only get distracted by what is in front of me but my past and every sideline distraction that the enemy tries to trip me with. (other people, anger, envy, jealousy, the comparison trap...ect.)
Are your eyes fixed on Jesus today?
Why do I need to daily fix my eyes on Jesus? The verses goes on to say - He is the author and perfector of our faith. He began my story & he will finish my story. My faith begins with Him....He originated it so he will perfect it....he will fill in the gaps, all the pot-holes along my journey with His grace and loving-kindness.
Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross.....He endured for me so that I can endure.
When I am coming to the end of my run it gets harder and I have to keep my focus, so I begin talking to my self. I push myself by saying.....you can't quit, the very life of your family depends on this, don't give up keep pressing on, you can do this! This is a matter of life and death....don't quit. Greater is he that is in you than He that is in the world! I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength! And when I cross my finish line it feels so good because I pushed beyond what I could do and kept my eyes on Jesus....the true finish line. This is true in life as well, the closer we draw to Jesus the enemy turns up the heat. The enemy knows our potential and he wants us to quit, to give up, to walk away but whatever you have to do to re-align your focus and turn your eyes on Jesus do it....don't let the enemy win!
What does a runner do to get to the finish line?
- she fixes her mind on the finish line
-she concentrates on the path before her
-she focuses on running the race
A few more verses to fix your mind on: Psalm 119: 34-37 and Phil. 1:6. Check them out in different versions and journal your key thoughts. Ask god to show you what you are focusing on? Are you focusing on unimportant or worthless things? Set your mind/focus on Jesus who is the author and perfector of your faith. You can be confident in this truth that He who began a good work in you will complete it! The God who loves you, who never changes, will complete His work in you and in me.
Our attitude for today should be For the joy set before Him, He endured. He endured for you and for me so that we could endure. He knows us & He knows what we are capable of becoming in Him so we can put all of our trust and focus in Him today!