Fixing Our Eyes Beyond the Mist
When we lift our eyes beyond the mist, God's promises anchor every step.
Devotional Credit: Days of Heaven, April 26
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today's reflection captures a vital principle of steady living: to stay true in our Christian walk, we need both a present focus and a distant, eternal goal. Using the imagery of plowing a straight furrow, the devotional reminds us that if we focus only on what is immediately before us, we will drift — often without noticing.
In the same way, Hebrews 11:13 describes faithful saints who lived with a heavenly vision in mind. They saw the promises of God from afar and welcomed them, acknowledging that this earth was not their true home. They lived anchored by two realities: the everyday opportunities to honor God and the far-off certainty of His eternal promises.
If we fix our gaze only on today’s tasks, or only on future hopes, we risk wandering off course. But when the present moment and the distant promise are kept aligned in our hearts, God produces in us a steady, unwavering life. This devotional invites us to embrace our identity as strangers and pilgrims — living with gratitude in the present, but guided unwaveringly by the joy set before us.
Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
You are a citizen of heaven, though for now you walk the earth. Set your heart not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. I have called you to live by faith, not by sight. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of your faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and now is seated at My right hand.
Do not grow weary or lose heart. Remember that here you have no enduring city, but you seek the city that is to come. You are an heir of promises yet to be fully seen, and I have secured them for you. Therefore, run your race with perseverance, looking always to the goal I have set before you. Walk by faith today, as those who are strangers and pilgrims on this earth, and let your steps remain straight and sure in My strength.
(Scripture references: Philippians 3:20; 2 Corinthians 4:18; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 12:2-3; Hebrews 13:14; Hebrews 11:13)
Real-Life Analogy
Imagine walking through a dense morning fog. You can only see a few steps in front of you, and it would be easy to wander off course if you focused only on your feet. But if you lift your eyes and fix them on a distant landmark—like the steeple of a church or the peak of a hill—you stay oriented. Even when the immediate path looks unclear, that glimpse of the destination keeps your steps straight. In the same way, in the Christian life, we are guided both by today's faithfulness and by the unchanging certainty of God's promises waiting beyond the mist.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that You have given me both a present walk and a future hope. I rejoice that I am a citizen of heaven even while journeying through this earth. I rest in the truth that Your promises are sure, even when they seem distant. Thank You for securing my heart with both stakes — today’s calling and tomorrow’s inheritance — so that I can live faithfully and walk with purpose. Today, I delight to walk with You, trusting You to guide my steps according to Your perfect will.
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