Day 5 - Look Away

Day 5 – Look Away

Hebrews 12:1-2 (TPT)
1 As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us.
2 We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto 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!

Where you’re looking has everything to do with where you’ll end up. Looking off to the side of the road while driving down the road is a good way to end up in the ditch. Fixing your gaze on a fresh donut will lead you to where it will have made its way into your stomach. Staring at the finish line has the effect of pressing past all obstacles and opposing forces to win the prize of getting there first. To fixate on problems, sin, lack, and failure is to end up with arrival at and experience of those very things. Looking away from them, though, to hope-filled possibilities and promises of reward diverts from a path of oppression and discouragement to one that is ever-rising and brighter.

Our example in this new realm of God’s kingdom is provided for us by Jesus. While it may seem that He never had to deal with the elements of the natural realm like we do, in reality, He experienced everything we could be tempted with and yet triumphed in His goal. His way through every diversion of the natural realm was to look away to His Father’s kingdom and the joy on the other side of any obstacle or threat. Seemingly insurmountable challenges become light afflictions when they are not allowed to occupy the vision:

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NKJV)
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

It’s not just setting aside cravings and worldly necessities that is effective during times of prayer, but also those things that would fill our sights with overwhelming oppression and discouragement. To effectively rise in the promises of the kingdom of God, the vision will have to rise above both appetites and stumbling blocks to a joyful vision of Jesus far above this temporary realm. We can endure both temptations and threats to fulfill His commission as we draw from the power of a vision that is so far above that of this world. Looking away to Jesus has a wonderful promise of eternity there at His side.

Meditation

Fasting:

“As I set aside food and normal routines of this earthly realm, I am also looking away from them to the place I will forever be with Jesus, victorious and prosperous!”
Hebrews 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Praise:
"I praise You, Lord, for the glory of Your grace that has made me accepted in Christ - chosen, holy, and without blame in His love."
Ephesians 1:6
 

Identity:

"Since I have been justified by the blood of Jesus, I have been made right with God and saved from all wrath and condemnation."
Romans 5:9-10

Understanding:

"I have been given a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ. The eyes of my understanding are enlightened to know the hope of His calling, my rich inheritance, and the greatness of His power."
Ephesians 1:17-19
 

Wholeness:

"You sustain and strengthen me on the bed of sickness."
Psalm 41:3
 

Provision:

"I delight myself in the Lord and He gives me the desires of my heart."
Psalm 37:4

Song:

"Look Away"