Staying Focused on God's Purpose in Life's Journey
Summary
Life is a journey marked by seasons of change, uncertainty, and new chapters. As I reflected on my own transition into retirement, I realized how easy it is to lose focus and drift from the path God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1-2 calls us to lay aside every weight and sin that entangles, and to run with patience the race marked out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. This is not just a call for the church, but for each of us individually. Our perspective—how we see our circumstances and future—shapes our journey. The Holy Spirit often challenges our perception, inviting us to see life through God’s lens rather than our own.
Scripture is filled with examples of people who lost their focus—Eve, Abraham, David, Peter, Demas—and the consequences that followed. When we lose sight of God’s purpose, we lose our way. Yet, God’s plan for us is not random; it is set, marked out beforehand, as Jeremiah 29:11 and Jeremiah 1:5 remind us. Before we were born, God knew us, sanctified us, and ordained us for a purpose. Our value and direction come from living in alignment with that divine plan.
Even when we veer off course, God’s grace reroutes us, much like a GPS recalculates our path. The Holy Spirit may not always remove our problems, but He clarifies our perspective, helping us see God’s hand at work. We are motivated by the saints who have gone before us, separated from unnecessary weights, liberated from sin, and activated to run our race with endurance. Our faith is not about the strength of our belief, but the truth of the One in whom we believe—Jesus Christ.
Ultimately, the question is not whether we are in control, but who leads and who follows. In our Christian walk, God leads; we follow. It is His timing, His will, His plan, and His glory. As individuals and as a church, our calling is to remain focused on the path God has set, trusting Him to guide us to the expected end He has prepared.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Plan Is Pre-Set and Personal
Before you were born, God knew you and had a specific plan for your life. This plan is not a reaction to your circumstances, but a purpose marked out beforehand, rooted in His omniscience and love. Embracing this truth brings value and direction, freeing you from anxiety about the unknown. Trust that your journey is not random, but divinely orchestrated. [07:45]
- Focus Determines Destiny
Losing focus leads to losing perspective on God’s purpose, as seen in the lives of biblical figures who strayed from their calling. When your desires and attention shift from God’s plan, you risk pursuing things that ultimately leave you empty or even resentful. Keeping your eyes on Jesus and the race set before you ensures you remain aligned with your true calling. [05:16]
- The Holy Spirit Clarifies, Not Always Changes, Circumstances
The presence and leadership of the Holy Spirit may not always remove your challenges, but will always clarify your perspective. When you allow the Spirit to adjust your spiritual “lens,” you begin to see God’s hand and purpose even in difficulty. This clarity is often more valuable than immediate solutions, as it anchors your faith and endurance. [16:43]
- Grace Reroutes Us When We Stray
Just as a GPS recalculates when we take a wrong turn, God’s grace persistently calls us back when we veer off course. No matter how far we drift, the Holy Spirit gently redirects us toward the path God has set. Our failures do not disqualify us; instead, they become opportunities for God’s mercy and guidance to shine. [12:15]
- True Discipleship Means Letting God Lead
The Christian life is not about maintaining control, but about surrendering leadership to God. Like a dance, we must learn to follow His lead, even when it challenges our preferences or comfort. This surrender is not weakness, but the path to experiencing God’s timing, will, and glory in our lives and in the church. [26:16]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Personal Reflections on Retirement and Focus
[03:05] - The Lens of Perception and Spiritual Focus
[04:30] - Biblical Examples of Lost Focus
[05:16] - The Importance of Perspective in Hebrews 12
[06:12] - The Set Race and God’s Pre-Planned Purpose
[08:45] - Jeremiah: God’s Knowledge Before Birth
[10:30] - Living with God’s Expectations
[12:15] - Getting Back on Track: God’s Grace and Guidance
[14:00] - The Holy Spirit’s Role in Clarifying Perspective
[16:43] - Five Conclusions from Hebrews 11-12
[19:42] - The Danger of Misplaced Desires
[22:49] - The Optometrist Analogy: Adjusting Our Spiritual Focus
[25:05] - Who Leads? The Dance of Surrender
[27:41] - Remaining Focused as a Church
[29:14] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Staying Focused on God’s Path
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### Bible Reading
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
> Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
> For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV)
> Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 12:1-2, what are we called to lay aside, and what are we called to do instead?
2. In Jeremiah 29:11, what does God say about His plans for us?
3. The sermon mentioned several biblical figures who lost their focus. Who were some of these people, and what happened as a result? [04:30]
4. What does the phrase “the race that is set before us” mean in the context of Hebrews 12? [06:12]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says God’s plan for us is “pre-set and personal.” What does it mean for your life that God’s plan is not a reaction to your circumstances, but something He marked out beforehand? [08:45]
2. How does losing focus affect our perspective on God’s purpose, based on the examples of Eve, Abraham, David, Peter, and Demas? [04:30]
3. The pastor said the Holy Spirit may not always fix our problems, but will clarify our perspective. Why might clarity be more valuable than immediate solutions? [16:43]
4. What does it look like in real life to “let God lead” instead of trying to stay in control ourselves? [26:16]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor shared about his own transition into retirement and how easy it is to lose focus during life changes. Is there a transition or new chapter in your life right now where you feel your focus slipping? What would it look like to “fix your eyes on Jesus” in this season? [01:10]
2. Are there any “weights” or distractions in your life right now that are slowing you down spiritually? What is one step you could take this week to lay aside something that is hindering your walk with God? [16:43]
3. The sermon compared God’s grace to a GPS that reroutes us when we get off track. Can you think of a time when you felt off course in your faith? How did God’s grace help you find your way back? [12:15]
4. The pastor said, “Our faith is not about the strength of our belief, but the truth of the One in whom we believe—Jesus Christ.” How does this change the way you think about your own faith journey? [16:43]
5. The message challenged us to see life through God’s lens, not just our own. Is there a situation in your life where you need the Holy Spirit to help you see things differently? What would it look like to ask for that new perspective? [03:05]
6. The “dance” illustration asked, “Who leads? Who follows?” In what area of your life do you struggle most to let God lead? What is one practical way you can surrender control to Him this week? [25:05]
7. As a church, we are called to stay focused on God’s purpose together. How can you encourage someone else in the group to keep running their race with endurance? [27:41]
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Closing Prayer:
Invite the group to pray for focus, clarity, and the courage to let God lead in every area of life.
Devotional
Day 1: Stay Focused on the Race Set Before You
The Christian life is described as a race that has been marked out and planned by God specifically for each believer. This race is not random or accidental; it is a purposeful journey that God has set before us, just as He did for the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. When we lose focus on this race, we risk losing sight of God’s purpose and plans for our lives. But by looking to the examples of those who have gone before us and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can run with endurance and patience, trusting that God’s path leads to an expected and good end. [05:16]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have lost focus on God’s purpose for you? How can you intentionally “set your sails” today to realign with the race God has marked out for you?
Day 2: God’s Plans and Purposes Are Established Before You Were Born
Long before you were ever conceived, God knew you, loved you, and had a specific plan and purpose for your life. This truth brings assurance that nothing in your journey is a surprise to God; He has ordained your days and set apart your calling. Understanding that God’s plans are for your good and for an expected end gives you confidence to trust Him, even when the path is unclear or you feel off course. Your value and identity are rooted in God’s eternal knowledge and purpose for you. [09:30]
Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV)
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."
Reflection: In what ways does knowing that God planned your life before you were born change how you view your current circumstances or decisions?
Day 3: The Holy Spirit Clarifies Your Perspective, Not Just Your Problems
The presence and leadership of the Holy Spirit may not always remove your challenges, but He will always clarify your perspective and help you see your life through God’s lens. When you feel lost or off course, the Holy Spirit gently redirects you, much like a guide who reroutes you when you’ve taken a wrong turn. Rather than focusing on fixing every problem, seek the Spirit’s guidance to see your situation as God sees it, trusting that He is always working to bring you back to His path. [16:43]
John 16:13 (ESV)
"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How might inviting the Holy Spirit to clarify your perspective change the way you respond to this situation today?
Day 4: Trust in God’s Guidance and Surrender Control
True peace and direction come from trusting in the Lord with all your heart and surrendering your own understanding and desire for control. God’s guidance is trustworthy, and acknowledging Him in all your ways ensures that He will direct your path. Even when you are tempted to lead or control the outcome, remember that your Christian life is not yours to lead—He leads, and you follow. Surrendering to God’s timing, will, and plan brings freedom and assurance that you are exactly where He wants you to be. [25:05]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Where are you struggling to let go of control in your life? What would it look like to practically surrender this area to God’s leadership today?
Day 5: Keep Your Focus on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Your Faith
Jesus is both the author and the finisher of your faith—He began the good work in you and He will bring it to completion. Your faith is not based on your own strength or sincerity, but on the truth and person of Jesus Christ. Even if you have been blown off course or your focus has become blurred, nothing can thwart God’s plans for your life. By fixing your eyes on Jesus and looking away from distractions, you are empowered to run your race with endurance and finish well, trusting that He will lead you to your expected end. [19:42]
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What distractions or “weights” are keeping you from focusing fully on Jesus? What is one step you can take today to look away from those things and fix your eyes on Him?
Quotes
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