Just because you set out for a particular destination, it does not mean you will somehow automatically end up there. You must be vigilant every moment of the way. As in driving a vehicle there are plenty of things that could hinder your progress and keep you from reaching your intended destination. There may be, for example, curves in the road that must be maneuvered or inclement weather that could literally blow you off course. And then there is the possibility of other drivers hindering your progress at intersections or anywhere else along the way. There could even be distractions within your vehicle from people you know and love.
All of these factors as well as many others could be an issue any time you drive somewhere. But let’s go beyond a physical trip and see how this relates to life. You are on a journey seeking to reach a particular destination. That is to say, as a Christian, you are to be following in the footsteps of Jesus and traveling this road of life according to the one and only roadmap of life — the Word of God. So far so good, right? As far as our intentions, yes, but as life happens, it is easy to get distracted and “take your eyes off of the road” as it were. As with driving a vehicle, there are plenty of factors that can get you off course in your walk with the Lord if you are not careful.
The Word says to let your eyes look straight ahead, but what happens if you are constantly looking back, like Lot’s wife; longing for something in the past, something in the world? Looking back will always lead you back, for you can’t go forward while looking back! Perhaps regrets or mistakes from the past keep you looking back. Put those things under the blood of Jesus and turn your attention to who you are in Christ today and where He is leading you in your walk with Him now. You are not who you were!
There’s also the chance that other people could distract you or hinder you in your progress; even people close to you. Intersections can be especially tricky where you have to determine which way to go. If you start looking to the left and right, you will see many others going one way or another, but your path is not determined by what anyone else is doing or not doing; you stay focused on God’s will for your life and stay on point no matter what choices anyone else makes for their life.
Do not get distracted by looking back or turning to the left or right — keep your eyes on the prize. Run this race of life with endurance and faith and hope. Keep your eyes on Jesus who has gone before you. Stay focused every day on your objective and on your destination and run your race with purpose and determination; stay on point!