Refocus

Main Idea:
In life it is easy to lose focus because things are constantly changing. By avoiding some common mistakes, and relying on God, we can continually refocus to see the next steps in our life’s purpose.

The need to continually refocus

· Things constantly change in life.

· Therefore, like a good photographer, we must continually be refocusing our vision.

· As we refocus, we should focus on positive things.

“Finally, my brothers and sisters, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things.” -Philippians 4:8 (NIRV)

Biblical examples of lost focus

· Moses lost focus because of disobedience. (Exodus 4: 10-17 and Numbers 20: 7-12.) Disobedience can separate us from focus. Moses’ fear caused him to disobey. Satan attaches fear to the ability that makes possible our greatest calling.

· Saul lost focus because of distrust. (1 Samuel 13-31.) Jealousy caused Saul to distrust God’s faithfulness.

· David lost focus because he became disengaged. (2 Samuel 11.) Focus is lost when we lose interest in an objective.

· Elijah lost focus because of discouragement. (1 Kings 19). We can lose focus when we are weary.

· Samson lost focus because of desire. (Judges 13-16). Focus is lost when our passions take precedence over our purpose.

· Nehemiah lost focus because of distraction. (Nehemiah 1-6). Focus is lost when we lose sight of the greater goal.

· All of those reasons for lost focus happen because the individual lost sight of where God had securely placed him. We must know who we are in Christ, and resist feeling insecure.

Questions to ask yourself regarding:

· Disobedience – “Have I neglected to follow through on instructions or prophetic promptings?”

· Distrust – “Have I allowed negative feelings to change my course or rule my life?”

· Disengaged – “In any area of my life have I settled for watching others live while I hang back?”

· Discouraged – “Have I allowed physical or emotional fatigue to make decisions for me?”

· Desire – “Have I pursued with passion what makes me whole, or what makes me happy?”

· Distraction – “Do my close friends and family know my goals?”

The need for a personal mission statement

· A personal mission statement can prevent one from losing focus.

· A personal mission statement should be simple, easy to remember, and keep your eye on a goal.

· A personal mission statement should be one sentence, able to be understood by a 12 year old, and able to be “recited at gunpoint.”

The need for a personal vision statement

· A personal vision statement describes what it will feel like to accomplish the mission statement.

· A personal vision statement should be descriptive, inspiring, and aspiring.Habakkuk 2: 2-3 (MSG) says, “And then God answered: “Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming – it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie.”

· Imagine what your vision will look like. God will show you what He has for you.

· Philippians 3: 12-15 (MSG) says, “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward – to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So, let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision – you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.”

Reflective Questions for Goals: Refocus – Finding Clarity in Constant Motion

1. Do you tend to make any of the mistakes that caused the famous Bible characters in this message to lose focus?

2. If so, what is one thing you could do this week to improve on the tendency to make that mistake?

3. How might writing out a personal mission and vision statement help you avoid distractions from your purpose? Do you feel that writing something down helps keep an idea in focus?