Eyeballs

From Today’s One Year Bible Reading Plan at BibleInAYearOnline.com

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. - Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)

I’ll never forget, years ago when I was in Marine Corps Boot Camp, there was this one command that always got our immediate attention. Our drill instructor would shout one word,“Eyeballs!”, and in perfect unison we would snap our heads toward him and respond, “Snap, Sir!” It didn’t matter what we were doing. The moment he yelled that word, everything else faded and our focus was locked in on him. We knew something important was about to follow.

That moment reminds me of Acts 3 where Peter and John encounter the man who had been lame since birth. He was sitting at the gate of the temple, asking for money. But before Peter did anything for him, he said something that still speaks to us today, “Look at us.” He needed the man’s full attention because what was coming next would change his life forever.

Sometimes we get stuck sitting at our own gates. Stuck in fear. Stuck in disappointment. Stuck in waiting. Our eyes drop to the ground and our thoughts spiral inward. It’s hard to see past the pain or the pressure. But in those moments, heaven still whispers, “Eyeballs.” Look up. Look at Jesus.

When we turn our eyes toward Him, something shifts. We may not always see our situation change overnight, but our perspective changes. Our faith is strengthened. Our hope is stirred. And grace meets us right there.

Jesus is not just the start of your faith. He is the finisher too. That means He knows how to carry you through the middle. So today, if your head feels heavy, lift it anyway. Look at Him. He is not finished with your story.

Reflection Question: Where have your eyes been focused lately, on the pressure around you, or on the One who is faithful to carry you through it?

Prayer: Jesus, I give You my full attention today. Help me lift my eyes off what is overwhelming and fix them on You. Thank You for being the One who started my faith and the One who will carry it to completion. I trust You with everything I cannot see or fix. In Jesus’ name, amen.