In a few weeks, the fields will be full of tractors pulling discs, harrows, and planters. It’s spring. It’s “plantin’ time.” It’s an exciting time. The smell of fresh plowed ground. It’s time to leave the cold and drab of winter and start fresh and new. It’s a new opportunity. It’s new life and the anticipation of the harvest.

Growing up I worked the ground (soil) in front of the planter. Dad had only one man, Roy, who planted all his rice and soybeans. When I was young, I didn’t know why he never let me run the planter. Looking back, I recognize I didn’t have the discipline to focus on one thing and not be distracted. Straight rows maximize the use of the field, enables better cultivation and efficiency of harvest.

The key to straight rows was getting started right. Roy would pick out an object at the other end of the field and drive his tractor to it. He never took his eyes off the object. A planter has a long bar that drags a line in the dirt. Roy used this line in the dirt to guide his return pass back to the other end of the field. So, if the first row is not straight, then the entire field will be a mess.

The discipline to focus on life, like on the farm, is significant. When we are under attack (spiritual, health, relationships, financial, occupation) it is easy to be distracted. It’s natural to focus on the storm. When I was diagnosed with cancer in 1994, God used Matthew 14 to speak to my heart.

One night the Disciples had gone ahead of Jesus in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. A storm came up and then they saw Jesus walking on water. “But when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”  And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:22-33.

Peter took his eyes off the authority of Heaven & Earth. I vowed, in the middle of my cancer storm, “Jesus give me the strength to keep my eyes on you.” It was His Word that gave me strength & focus during an incredible storm.

 Two years ago, we studied another situation…another impossible storm. The nation of Judah was under attack by a superior army. With the enemy at the gate, King Jehoshaphat prayed to God before his people, “For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12

Maybe today you are finding it difficult to focus. Distractions, storms, confusion…let me suggest the focal point that will not move. Jesus. “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.”  Proverbs 4:25. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28