The roller coaster came to a sudden stop. With eyes closed, Timmy screamed as his hand gripped the armbar.

Timmy couldn’t believe he had just ridden the newest ride in the entire theme park: “The Big Bad Bull.” He could still feel the twists and turns as he planted his feet on firm ground again. But he refocused his eyes on the light and peered back at the dark tunnel he had just exited. “I have just conquered my greatest fear,” he muttered.

You shall remember all the way which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.

~Deuteronomy 8:2 NASB

One morning, I awoke, thinking about this scripture God had placed on my wife’s heart a few days before. God had earlier placed it on my heart while I temporarily stayed in a hotel because of a flood at our home. It was as if God were saying, “Let Me remind you both to remember My ways.” At the time, I needed to refocus.

Just as Timmy navigated the dark tunnel and then reentered the light, we can refocus on the Savior after dark spiritual moments.

I never want to forget the Lord during uncertain times. The Lord reconnected me to the truth that His desires, not mine, are what I should follow. This came at a pinnacle point. I had just passed through the disappointment of feeling God say “Not yet” to something I felt Him leading me to begin.

As I prayed, God reminded me He had walked with me and led me through the wilderness. Our wildernesses are God’s way of breaking our known paths. He carries us through some of the most challenging paths we have ever traveled, but everyone must go the same way. He shows us how to keep our eyes on Him, maintain humility, endure testing, and endure His examination.

In what ways do you need to refocus on God?

Father God, I thank You for the reminder to keep going regardless of uncertainty. So, help me not to stop, turn around, or forget how You have led me in the past. Help me never to lose sight of Your vision for me. Teach me never to become distracted by the blessings or fall back to the known path that leads to destruction. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Anecdotal story, fiction; Commentary: non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Refocus: Charles E. Maldon, Jr.: All Rights Reserved