STEADY AS SHE GOES

By Sandra Deladem

To fix our gaze solely on Christ, ignoring the distractions and shame of the world, and simply keep moving steadily toward our destination is the key to fulfilling our divine assignment. Jesus Himself modeled this perfectly. He remained steadfast and endured the cross because His eyes were fixed on the joy and glory that lay ahead. He understood the purpose of His suffering and the victory that would follow.

Thus, I have come to realize that the temptation to allow our eyes to wander, even unknowingly, poses a subtle but real threat to our ability to stay the course and fulfill our divine destiny or earthly assignment.

Ladies, our eyes should be fixed on God's purpose for our lives, not on the lives, achievements, or journeys of others.

This is a danger we must guard against because distraction can happen without us even realizing it.

It is perfectly admirable to recognize, commend, and celebrate other people's achievements. There is absolutely nothing wrong with appreciating what God is doing in someone else's life. However, admiration should never become comparison, and another person's success should never become a reason to question your own journey or lose sight of your purpose.

Remember, your journey is uniquely yours, and focus is the driver. God has a plan and purpose for your life, which will come to fruition in His perfect time. Your responsibility is to remain faithful, stay on track, and keep your eyes fixed on His purposes, not on the stormy waves or on others.

A woman of influence knows how to celebrate another woman's progress without losing sight of her own!

Instead of constantly looking sideways at what God is doing in someone else's life, keep your eyes fixed on what He is doing in yours. Your season, your assignment, and your journey are special. Scripture gives powerful examples of people who lost focus on their own God-given assignments, became preoccupied with another person's position, calling, or achievements, and suffered the consequences.

Biblical Examples of Losing Focus

Take, for example, the two sisters, Rachel and Leah. Rachel became consumed by what Leah had and envied her sister because Leah had children while she herself remained childless (Genesis 30). Instead of finding peace in her own journey, Rachel became distressed by what her sister possessed and constantly nagged her husband.

Miriam, the highly respected sister of Moses, also lost focus at one point and became jealous of her brother. Miriam and Aaron, her older brother, began questioning Moses' unique leadership position. They asked:

"Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us?" — Numbers 12:2

Though they were no strangers to God's work and both had important roles in Israel's journey, they still became preoccupied with Moses' position. So God intervened, defended Moses, and reprimanded Miriam.

Another good example is the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. As the story unfolds, Martha was busy preparing and serving, while Mary sat at Jesus' feet, listening to His words. Martha became frustrated and complained that Mary had left her to do all the work. Jesus responded:

"Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part." — Luke 10:41–42

How often do we find ourselves in Martha's position? We become so occupied with what everyone else is doing, what others have achieved, or what we think we ought to be doing that we lose sight of what truly matters. We become distracted by activities, expectations, and sometimes even the progress of others, forgetting to give attention to our own walk with God so that we can receive what God has for us.

Understand today that comparison and a lack of steadfastness can deprive you of the ability to appreciate God's goodness in your own life. Another person's blessing does not diminish yours, so why worry yourself over someone else?

Scriptural Guidance for Staying Focused

The Scriptures give us clear instructions on how to guard our hearts against comparison, envy, lack of focus, and unhealthy competition. Here are some great tips on this subject:

• Examine your own work rather than comparing yourself with others. — 2 Corinthians 10:12
• Comparing ourselves with others is unwise. — Philippians 2:3
• Do nothing through selfish ambition or conceit. — Proverbs 14:30
• Envy destroys inner peace. — James 3:16
• Envy and selfish ambition produce confusion and disorder. — Romans 12:15
• Rejoice with those who rejoice. — Hebrews 12:1–2
• Run your own race with endurance, keeping your eyes on Jesus. — 1 Corinthians 12:18–20

Stay Focused on Your Own Preparation

Before I bring this piece to an end, let me remind you of a young woman in Scripture by the name of Esther. When she was selected as one of the candidates to become queen to King Ahasuerus, she entered a period of extensive beauty preparation alongside many other young women. There were specific beauty treatments and preparations required, and each woman was given the opportunity to appear before the king.

However, there is something particularly interesting about Esther's approach. The Bible tells us that she did not seek to impress the king by demanding additional beauty treatments or relying solely on her own judgment. Instead, she listened to Hegai, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the women, and followed his advice. Esther 2:15 tells us that she requested nothing beyond what Hegai recommended. And what happened? Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her, and the king loved her above all the other women and placed the royal crown upon her head, making her queen.

There is a beautiful lesson here for us, ladies: Esther did not have to compete with, outdo, or imitate the other women. She followed the counsel given to her, trusted the process, and allowed her own moment to unfold. While others may have been preoccupied with what they needed to do to stand out, Esther remained steady and receptive to wise guidance.

So stay faithful to your own preparation and follow godly counsel. Your time to shine does not require you to dim another woman's light.

God has a beautiful plan and place for you, so steadily keep your focus on your assignment, however big or small it may be.

Every earthly throne we desperately chase will eventually crumble and fade. So steer steadily and pursue that which never perishes.