Hebrews 12:2 [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, [b]disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].

As followers of Jesus, we get kicked, elbowed, and held back at times, but we have to stay focused and persevere through our trials. When we get taken off course, our circumstances get rough, or sin slows us down, the Bible encourages us. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne…”

We all have to deal with details in life, but guard against letting them fill your view. Instead of getting distracted, be like Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). 

Notice that Jesus endured the cross by keeping His eyes on “the joy set before Him.” Joy is set before you –  your divine purpose here on earth and, eventually, your place in heaven. Focus on those things! Don’t let distractions take all your attention. Don’t take your eyes off the windshield. Keep your focus on what really matters and don’t get distracted. 

Don’t let trouble, failures, fears or sin stand in your way of fulfilling your divine purpose and gaining your reward in heaven.