Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

DEVOTION

I learned to drive on gravel country roads in rural Arkansas. I can't imagine that was a comfortable experience for my dad. "Watch where you're going!" was a pretty common refrain in those days, and a pretty important one, too, when your teenage son is behind the wheel of your truck on a one-lane gravel road with deep ditches on either side.

Keeping your eyes on the road is a vital lesson for driving, and one I eventually had to learn the hard way. As I was leaving a basketball game after I'd turned 16, some of my buddies were fooling around behind my little Ford Ranger as I began to pull out. Instead of paying attention to what I was doing, I kept my eyes on them and sideswiped the vehicle next to me. When it came time to pay for the damages, I learned just how costly it can be to take your eyes off what you're doing.

Watch where you're going. In life, as in driving, where we set our eyes determines our direction. There are so many distractions along the way, and if we aren't careful about what we're doing and where we're looking, it can cost us. And maybe you've already learned that lesson the hard way.

I'm thankful the writer of Hebrews gives us a place to look: at Jesus. Pick your head up. Stop being distracted by the hindrances and temptations all around you, and fix your eyes on Jesus. He has prepared a way for you. He's shown you what to do and where to go. So, watch where he's going.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your grace and forgiveness when we take our eyes off of you. And thank you for a better place for us to fix our eyes. Thank you for Jesus. Please forgive us when we've failed you and give us the endurance we need to keep moving toward you.

Amen.

Daniel Rankin

Crossings Students Pastor - High School

drankin@crossings.church

RESOURCES

• Unwavering series 
• The Story of Job teaching series
• “Nothing Else” worship song