He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap. Ecclesiastes 11:4 In Ecclesiastes 11:4, we see a simple yet essential truth -- it matters where we
place our focus. If we have our eyes on the wind, we might not sow because the seeds could scatter. If we are looking at the forecast, we might not bother to reap because there's the potential to be rained on. In these instances, nothing is ever started and nothing gets accomplished because the focus is on the wrong things.

However, as believers, we are to proceed with a faith-perspective and not in response to what we see with our physical eyes (2 Corinthians 5:7). There is a
call on our lives to look at the right things, to see things according to the Spirit, and to trust in God no matter what the circumstance may be.

The Apostle Paul was highly effective despite HUGE challenges and trials. This was his perspective: "For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 In other words, the struggles and the trials of life aren't worthy to compare with what lies ahead for us in eternity with God! In a lot of ways Heaven is going to be Heaven because of how it compares to what you came through here. That ought to encourage you when you are going through struggles!

If we get preoccupied with what we see, we won't step out in what we are to do. But, by the grace of God, we will press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).

Fix your eyes on Jesus and press on!
Pastor Jeff




© 2007 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.