Sharpen Your Vision

Followers of Christ have a depth that may not be perceived by everyone they meet, but it’s there. We weren’t made to drift aimlessly through life, and most of us understand this. God created us in His image—intelligent, spiritual beings with the capacity to think, believe, speak, and act with power and purpose. One of the most remarkable gifts we’ve been given is the authority to open our mouths and do as Romans 4:17 says: call those things that are not as though they were. Through faith, we’re not hoping and wishing, we’re walking in the footsteps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He didn’t just show us what holiness looked like; he showed us how to live victoriously. God’s Will is that we live a more than abundant life through Christ, where we’re doing more than surviving—much more. We’re thriving, overflowing, and bearing fruit. That clarity of vision starts by looking to Jesus and staying focused on the road He paved.

Jesus Christ, the Trailblazer

Jesus didn’t just talk about purpose—He lived it. He is the blueprint, the gold standard, the Trailblazer of our faith. The Word tells us in Hebrews 12:1–2 (NLT), “And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.” Jesus wasn’t running aimlessly. Every step he took was filled with meaning. He endured suffering because he could see the outcome. He had vision—clear, focused, unshakable. And that’s what we need. The race isn’t about impressing people or stacking up achievements. It’s about finishing strong in what God has called us to do. Jesus cleared the path—now it’s our turn to run it with purpose.

Faith Is the Right Way of Believing

Jesus didn’t come to earth to pursue his own agenda. He said clearly in John 6:38 (NLT), “For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.” That’s powerful! How many of us can honestly say that’s how we live? We’ve got dreams, goals, and plans—but what happens when they don’t align with God’s Will? Do we adjust, or do we push forward anyway, hoping God will bless it later?

Jesus walked by faith, not feelings. And that’s how he calls us to live. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) tells us, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” There’s purpose in you that didn’t originate with you. It started in the mind of God before you ever took your first breath. Our faith sharpens our vision when we align it with His Will. We stop chasing things that don’t matter and start walking in what’s eternal.

Stay in the Race

Life will throw distractions your way—emotional ones, financial ones, people-related ones. Some of them may look like good opportunities. But if it pulls your eyes off Jesus, it’s not worth your time. He’s not just the goal—He’s the guide. He’s the pace-setter. And He showed us that joy can still be found in the middle of suffering when your trust is in the right place.

When things get rough—and they will—look to Jesus again. Hebrews 12:3 (NLT) says, “Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.”  He didn’t let the weariness of people’s opinions, the sting of betrayal, or the pain of the cross make him quit. That’s what staying in the race looks like. It’s choosing to believe, even when you don’t feel strong. It’s saying, “God, I trust You,” even when your circumstances look cloudy.

Eyes on the Finish Line

We have to ask ourselves: what’s the endgame? What are we truly pressing toward? The Apostle Paul gives us the answer in Philippians 3:14 (NLT), “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” That heavenly prize that Paul is talking about isn’t just about getting into heaven—it’s about becoming more like Christ here on earth. The prize is spiritual growth, maturity, and alignment with God’s heart. It’s obedience. It’s surrender. It’s impacting His Kingdom in the way that He has purposed.

When we sharpen our vision, we stop living for applause and start living for God’s approval.  We stop measuring success by what we’ve accumulated and start measuring it by how faithful we’ve been to what God gave us to do.

Finish Well

Jesus completed the mission. He didn’t leave anything undone. He walked in full obedience and redeemed humanity in the process. That’s what finishing well looks like. And for us, finishing well isn’t about perfection—it’s about perseverance and endurance. It’s about being able to say, “I stayed the course. I didn’t let pain or confusion or delay push me off the path.”

In the end, what we long to hear is what Jesus described in Matthew 25:23 (NLT): “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” That’s the real finish line—not earthly success, but heavenly affirmation. That’s the vision that needs to stay sharp in our minds and hearts.

Let Your Vision Be Set by God

When your vision is sharpened by God’s truth, you stop wandering and start walking with direction. You begin to value what He values. You let go of the distractions and run with discipline. It won’t always feel good. It won’t always make sense. But clarity comes when you keep your eyes on Jesus—the One who started your faith and the One who will finish it.

So, let’s be committed to know God’s Will by reading and studying His Word. This is what keeps us razor focused and helps us shake off the weariness we get from this wilderness experience. God didn’t call you to live blurred, distracted, or overwhelmed. He called you to live full of purpose, power, and clear-eyed faith. Sharpen your vision, stay in the race, and watch the power of God as it is boldly manifested in everything you do. ■

Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

“Sharpen Your Vision”, written by Vince Mack. Blessing Beads and More© 2025. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.