FOCUS FOR IMPACT (8)

“I have fought the good fight of faith, I HAVE FINISHED the RACE, I have kept the faith” – 2 Timothy 4:7

Paul the apostle finished the Race of Destiny sound and strong through sustained FOCUS for IMPACT: “I have fought the good fight of faith, I HAVE FINISHED the RACE, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim.4:7). These final words of a man with no regrets, to Timothy, his son in the faith, emphasize the importance of steadfast faith, perseverance, and a clear FOCUS on the Lord, even in the face of adversity, to triumph in the fight of faith, finish the race, keep the faith, and achieve a life of Impact.

As Paul approached the end of his life and ministry, he urged Timothy to “be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry” (v.5). His testimony of fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith, highlights the need to remain faithful and firmly focused on life’s purpose to the end. The apostle anticipated a “crown of righteousness” as a reward for his faithfulness, encouraging Timothy to strive for the same.

Focus makes one a “Finder”! Revelations thrive on concentration! It takes focused attention to encounter unique discoveries – to see what others ignore or merely observe. Focus makes one a “Finisher”: Jesus, with unflinching focus, finished the mission of redemption (Jh.19:30). Paul pressed with unbroken focus right up to the finishing line (Phil.3:12-21; vv.7-8).

The power of focus is a key success skill for a life of fruitfulness and fulfillment. Focus guarantees steady progress, speed, impact, and a maximized life. A Runner without focus is a ready-made failure, a disaster looking for where to happen. A Fighter without focus is a casualty waiting to be counted out. Paul said: I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air (1 Cor.9:26). An athlete with eyes focused on the finishing line is a sure Winner any day!

GOD – His Kingdom, Will, and Word – must be the primary target of our focus: “But seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Mt.6: 33). A life that is focused on God will automatically focus on Purpose, Vision, Calling, and Wisdom – the principal thing (Pro.4:7). When the Lord directs and commands the ship of our lives, we are certain to reach the next port of purpose safely and successfully; we’re set to accomplish destiny! When we focus on God, He’ll equip us to focus on our strengths rather than weaknesses. We’ll learn to focus on our “Boundary of Brilliance.”

The Wisdom of Focus is to do a few things extremely well; to focus on what works, instead of complaining about what doesn’t work; and to concentrate on what we each do best! Living by Focus will transform a Believer to become a Positive Focus in his or her location and generation!