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Sometimes in life we get to a place where things just seem disorganized, out of order. We try but we just can’t seem to be able to get our hands around things. We lose sight of what we are trying to do. We struggle to find our focus. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I was talking to a crew chief the other day about the way his car was handling and he shared with me that they came to the track with a new setup and have been trying to dial it in. They were not having much success but they were committed to work through it. I was surprised when he said they couldn’t even go as fast as the “old” setup. I was confused.
I understand you have to try new things and when you try, you may find something better, but wouldn’t that type of activity be better for a test session, not race day? I read recently that Bobby Santos, an accomplished open wheel driver, comes to the track ready to race. His goal is to have the setup in the car for the track they are going to and but for a few minor tweaks, they are ready to race. He doesn’t want to work on the car at the track on race day. His focus is to unload race ready.
There is a time and place for every activity and we need to be aware of the situation and focus on the desired result. If you try something and it doesn’t work, why not go back to what you know works? The effort and time spent trying to make something work on race day seems like it wouldn’t allow you to focus on what you came to do, race. When we lose our focus, we need to take a step back and remember the reason why you came to the track that day, to race. Not only to race but to win!
Losing focus applies to every aspect of our lives. There are so many things that demand our attention. We can be overwhelmed thinking about it all. We need to remind ourselves what it is that we are trying to accomplish and focus on the activities that reflect that. When we get distracted from our mission, we need to take a step back and refocus.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us;
Hebrews 2:1 – We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
Have you ever noticed that what you focus on is likely to become where you end up? Daryl Shoemaker tells us about how he learned this lesson.
“On a recent summer vacation I enjoyed a round of golf with, for the purpose of this story, an unnamed family member. While standing by a tee box, we admired all of the beautiful homes and their immaculately landscaped patios that backed right onto the left side of the fairway. My golf partner indicated that the homeowners complained at length about golf balls hitting their homes. However, it had not been a problem for him as he followed the sage golfing advice – don’t focus on the home, tree or water, but instead focus on the place where you want your shot to land. That makes sense. You always hear about how pro athletes are successful in part because they are able to visualize the play. He went on to effectively demonstrate this principle, as after 5 minutes of looking at the homes, he managed to hit a 250-yard shot right into the back of the home furthest from the fairway.”
Actions follow thoughts. It is not that we should ignore the challenges that face us. However, it is a question of focus. We need to remember the situation we are in and remind ourselves of the right focus. When our focus is correct, the obstacles remain in our periphery, the risks become secondary. We need to focus on our purpose, the path we must take and the journey we are on. While we focus on the reward the cost may seem small.
Joshua 24 challenged the nation of Israel to refocus. He gathered them together and shared a Word from God with them. God reminds them of all that God has done for them throughout their journey. He reminds them of His provision. He reminds them that He has a plan for them and it is a good one. He provides the reasons why they should focus on Him and follow His guidance. At the end of God’s words Joshua challenges those listening;
Joshua 24:14-15; NLT; 14 “So fear (respect) the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. 15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
As we look at these words Joshua reminds us that we focus on something. “Choose this day who you will serve”. What is it that we need to be focused on? We need to remind ourselves that we are to be about the Lord’s work. Don’t let things distract us from what God requires. I refer back to the writer of Proverbs when I get things out of focus on my life.
Proverbs 3:5-6; Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
It is understandable that our lives may be a little out of focus. Things are not what they should be. It would be good for us to remember that God has this, He has a plan and it is for our benefit.
Are we a little out of focus? Take a step back and look at where we are expending energy. Ask ourselves if we are moving in the direction that God wants us to or are we following our own plan? Choose this day who we will serve. Then make the necessary adjustment to get things back on track.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
