It’s the second Saturday of the month and that means it is guest feature time again from a different perspective. Nola Baughman grew up in Gainesville, Georgia. She attended Georgia Institute of Technology, RHEMA Bible College, and Lee University. Serving as a youth pastor and an internship director launched her into discipleship ministry. Nola believes God’s desire is for people to learn His Word and share it with others. Jesus showed love to His disciples and expected them to show love to everyone. It is His desire for all to become disciples and duplicate His love in others. Nola’s desire is to create disciples so that they, in turn, can fulfill the desire of Jesus: Discipleship. Nola is here today to help you get refocused as she discusses the need to shift the focus of our minds from self to God.

These specific instructions were given to Joshua by the Lord: “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:8-9).

It is easy to sit under a preacher and hear the words: “Be strong and courageous!” You walk out of that service confident that you can conquer the world.  However, as soon as you are faced with a challenge, the doubt of your ability to conquer creeps into your mind. All of a sudden it is not so easy to be strong and courageous.

Do not fear. There is one simple thing that can be done to change how you are thinking in those tough situations: simply shift your focus. In the struggle to be strong, what is the focus of your thoughts? Are they centered on your inability or what people think of you? Or are you looking at how hard the task may be to accomplish? Stop! Change your thinking! You can do all things through Jesus who strengthens you!

Simply shifting your mental focus from yourself to Jesus will not only give you more confidence, it will take away insecurities and doubt. Jesus is our confidence. He is our ability. When God created you in your mother’s womb, He created you with gifts and abilities that are specific to you. When you center your focus on Jesus you will be equipped.

“ Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21).

In this verse, the author wants the reader to understand that when Jesus was raised from the dead, His blood was not only our salvation but our equipper.  In Jesus, there is no fear, no doubt, no insecurity or lack. Jesus is love. Jesus is grace. Jesus is mercy. Jesus is forgiving. He comforts in sorrow. He restores your joy during great disappointment. Take your focus off of yourself, your worries, what people think, what people have done to you or what sin you have committed. Know that you are forgiven and equipped with everything you need to accomplish what the Lord has called you to do.

Be encouraged. Rest in the knowledge that Jesus loves you and wants you to succeed. Let your thoughts be focused on Him and be confident in knowing whatever God calls you to do, He will also equip you through His amazing Son Jesus Christ. Don’t be depressed or discouraged by what thoughts are

Let your thoughts be focused on Him and be confident in knowing whatever God calls you to do, He will also equip you through His amazing Son Jesus Christ.

Don’t be discouraged by what thoughts are in your mind or what is happening around you.

Shift your focus to Jesus and know that you CAN do all things through Him.

Be confident is His ability. He died on the Cross for you and in your place.

Your sins are forgiven. HE is pleased with you.

He loves you and is proud of you, the person created by His Father.

Looking at Jesus’ face will make you strong and courageous. You will succeed when you shift your focus from SELF to HIM!