“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:2
A recent study by a Christian university lists 33,089 current Christian denominations world-wide! There can be a difference of opinion on everything from major theological issues down to the color of carpet a church sanctuary should have. Or whether to even have carpet. Or whether to even have flooring. Or whether to even meet in a “sanctuary”. Add in the number of opinions there can be about current affairs and one can simply drown beneath the waves of differing perspectives. As I try to figure things out myself, I sometimes feel discouraged by how many different views there can be over a single issue and how belligerently each can be espoused.
I was ruminating on this with an older, wiser, Christian friend of mine and he reminded me of something very simple but very profound and it was just what I needed to hear in that moment. He said, “I don’t have answers for you on this, but remember to keep focusing on Jesus. Focus on how He reveals God in Scripture, spend time with Him in prayer, and aspire toward His character.”
I was starting to feel storm tossed on seas of uncertainty. What my friend told me reminded me that I have an immovable anchor in these storms- JESUS! Suddenly, I felt the peace which surpasses understanding. No, I didn’t have the definite answers to what I was specifically wrestling with, but suddenly I didn’t feel as pressing of a need to have them. I knew that Jesus was with me and that was enough. I was able to tell my friend, “Thank you for reminding me of that. I feel peace leaving this in Jesus’ hands. If He wants to reveal more wisdom concerning this, I trust He will. But I feel peace just fixing my eyes on Him.”
When you feel pulled in every which direction, perhaps stressed, stretched, or overwhelmed… take a step back and embrace the simplicity and security of knowing Jesus. He is with you. He is your anchor in the storms. Keep growing and searching for truth but do so as you fix your eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.