My husband and I are fans of NASCAR and look forward to hanging out on Sunday afternoons watching the race and cheering on our favorite drivers. This past Sunday one of the commentators said something that made me go ‘wow!’ He said at this point in the race, that the lead car cannot take his eyes off of what is in front of him. If he looks back he’ll get distracted and lose focus. This could lead to someone passing him and consequently losing the race.
There were maybe 35/40 laps to go and the leader was doing well but had a couple cars right on his bumper. In his rear view mirror. They work hard back there to try and get the lead driver off his game. They want him to get distracted by looking in his rear view mirror to see how close they are but he has to stay focused on what is in front of him. Looking back would not only distract him but slow him down, even for a couple seconds, allowing the driver behind him to take advantage and possibly pass. This particular driver had the experience and the skill to know he needed to keep his eyes fixed in front of him in order to reach his goal and win the race.

We need to do the same. Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. When trouble tries to sneak up on us don’t panic, don’t stop looking forward.
Paul says in Galatians “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?” If we let the problem get us distracted it can consume our attention and cause us to fall away from the race chosen for us. Proverbs 4:26-27 says: “Watch where you are going! Stick to the path of truth, and the road will be safe and smooth before you. Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked even for a moment or take the detour that leads to darkness.”
‭‭This driver who by the way won the race has practiced and studied countless hours to know how to strategically handle situations that arise. The Word of God will do the same for us. Focus on Jesus, get into the Word and study scripture. Feed on it so it’s deeply rooted within you. Then, when trouble comes, you are ready.