Grace Under Pressure

Dear Friend, Nothing requires focus more than shooting a free throw in the middle of a basketball game. You must keep your eyes fixed and body relaxed. Even in the midst of adrenaline rushing, heart racing, and muscles tense all that energy must be harnessed. All of it has to be settled in the moment of the free throw. I can vividly remember the pressure in the game. And the results of taking my eyes off the goal for any reason (like the crowd, the players on the court, the opponent’s bench, the fact I might miss, my sweaty hands, the ball, the next possession...the list could go on!) Ever seen someone shoot an air ball or maybe launch the ball so hard it ricocheted off the rim like a bullet. It’s usually because of their lack of focus. Proverbs 4:25-27 makes it plain! 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Also, in Isaiah 26:3. Peace will keep you grounded when the noise around you demands your attention. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Even the praise and celebration could become a distraction! It takes discipline to remain focused and undisturbed by anything. Be reminded today, He is the goal! He is our focus! He is our peace.m! And when we obey, love and serve others as we are led by the Holy Spirit with Christ at our core there’s nothing we cannot do! Focused forward, Jess