Adoniram Judson was one of the first foreign missionaries to go out from North America.

He and his wife, Ann, set sail for Burma (also called Myanmar) in 1812. In 2022, it’s not uncommon for a church to send missionaries to a foreign country. But in 1812, this was a very foreign concept (pun intended). Numerous well-meaning people tried to sway Judson from leaving. He should be a pastor. He should teach in a university. Seminaries were just forming. Why would he give up everything for heathens? But thankfully, Adoniram showed laser focus. Nothing would distract him from God’s clear calling, his purpose.

Judson is not the only example of laser focus. Take a moment to read Matthew 16:21-23. Jesus is revealing more and more about His ultimate purpose, to follow the path to the cross. Peter, one of the disciples, rebuked Jesus. In Peter’s mind, there was something wrong with the plan. In verse 23 Jesus responds, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s purposes, but men’s.”

One of the things we can learn from this interaction is Jesus knew exactly who He was and exactly where He was going. He didn’t need anybody trying to pull Him away from what God had called Him to do. He wasn’t called to be a political revolutionary. He wasn’t called to have a religious revolution. Jesus was called to save all mankind and He was not going to be deterred.  Nothing would keep Him from accomplishing His mission.

Sounds like laser focus to me.   

The disciples only heard what they wanted to hear. And they thought they were being helpful. But ultimately, they were acting as a stumbling block for Jesus. Their good was distracting from God’s best. The author of Hebrews calls us to lay aside the sin and things that so easily entangle (12:1). 

The challenge for each of us is twofold: 

• First, are you clear on God’s calling and purpose for your life? Or are you listening to all the distractions and stumbling blocks that so easily fill our minds? You may not be called to sail to Burma, but God still wants to use you to reach and disciple others. 

• Second, are you distracting others from God’s best? Today be laser-focused and help others fix their eyes on God’s best.

Taken from a sermon by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH