Looking unto Jesus

It has been a few weeks since I've posted. I've needed a break for the purpose of looking unto Jesus. I'll share more of that with you, but first I'll state that you may not at first glance see the connection of this post (and possibly a few more) to the Titus 2 passage.

I left off in Titus 2:2 where Paul tells Titus that older men and women are to be "sound in faith, in love and in steadfastness." In other words (my words) our theology and our teaching is given credence by how our faith and love are lived out when the rubber meets the road. Can those younger in years and younger in faith see that our faith passes the tests of time? Can they see us love the unlovely with Gospel love? Can they see an unshakeable devotion to God and His Truth that doesn't crumble in the storms of life?

This is what we are called upon to do and be. It isn't easy. In fact, it is impossible - in ourselves. But, God is the one who gives the gift of faith, love and steadfastness. It is God who gives us such a deep appreciation for what Christ did for us on the cross, we actually can be sound (unmoveable) in faith, love and steadfastness - even in our trials. But we must keep our eyes fixed on Christ at all times. He must be our focal point.

I'm going to try to illustrate.

For over a month I've been severely tested with a particular trial. A week ago it occurred to me how much like labor this test has felt like. I've given birth to six children, so I have a keen appreciation what laboring feels like. Though I am sure my labor experiences were not as painful or complicated as many women experience, I did experience pain!!! But here is how Tim and I labored together for the birth of our children:

Tim is 6'4" tall. I am 4' 11 3/4" short. When Tim sits in a chair and I stand in front of him we can see eye to eye. As I was laboring for the birth of our baby, I freely walked about the room but when a contraction came I would lean on Tim's shoulders, letting the weight of my womb drop in front of me, off my back and hips. Tim and I would then lock eyes and breathe our way through the pain. Tim's eyes were my focal point to get me one contraction closer to seeing our baby.

Funny thing is, we didn't plan it that way. It wasn't something we learned in childbirth classes. It just was natural for me to lean on him and to look into his eyes for my help and strength for he had proven himself to be strong, trustworthy and full of compassion.

I'll share more next week. But I'll leave you with this scripture passage. Please read it over carefully and let the richness of the truth bless your soul. And if you find yourself laboring through a trial, I pray that you, along with me, will look unto Jesus for He has in all ways proven Himself to be a strong, trustworthy, and compassionate Savior:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood (Hebrews 12:1-4).