DISCOURAGED

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

~1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV

As I glanced at my reflection in a restaurant mirror, I became discouraged. My black hair had turned gray, and my physical health was declining. The youthful appearance I once had was long gone. I was discouraged. I didn’t know I was about to learn how to have the right focus.

THE ELDERLY LADY

An elderly lady riding a mobility scooter entered the restaurant. She made eye contact with the manager, and explained that she needed to recharge the battery for her scooter. The manager pushed a table away from the wall, exposing an outlet. The lady could barely get herself out of the scooter to plug it in.

As she seated herself back in her scooter, the manager asked, “How long is this going to take?”

“An hour, I suppose,” she replied, searching for his approval.

The manager smiled and offered her a cup of coffee. “It’s on me,” he said, sliding the cup towards the lady.

She took a sip, and laid her head on the table. She obviously needed rest. It dawned on me that this poor soul was homeless.

THE RIGHT FOCUS

It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

~Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV

My heart broke for the lady! I could not fathom being homeless, much less being homeless with limited mobility.

My thoughts were no longer on myself. I contemplated how I could provide her needs even in a small way. Could I pay for a meal, make conversation, or in any way assist her? Perhaps God was reminding me how blessed I truly am, and that I need to be a blessing to others.

I made a commitment right there to have the right focus. “Lord God, help me to be thankful for my many blessings. Use me to be a blessing to others each and every day.”

MAKE THE COMMITMENT

Friend, it’s easy to get caught up in appearances and concern for our own health rather than focusing on how we can meet the needs of others. I know I am guilty. However, God will always make a way for us to bless others.

Make the commitment to have the right focus. Be thankful for your many blessings. Use them to be a blessing to others each and every day.

Will you make the commitment to find ways to bless others?

Heavenly Father, I ask you to help me to remember the daily blessing you’ve give me. Forgive me when I fail to recall them. Help me to be a blessing to others, and keep this as my focus.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-Fiction

Copyright 2023: The Right Focus: Ed Chappelle: All Rights Reserved