What’s your biggest challenge right now? Maybe you’re trying to break a bad habit, or bringing a new routine into your life. Starting something new, or turning an old situation around. Getting out of depression, or trying not to fall into it?

Paul gives us two powerful keys to help us face challenges: 1) Set your mind in the right direction. 2) Keep your mind set in the right direction. Setting our mind is the easy part; keeping it set needs a daily commitment. Anybody can make a start, but we need perseverance to see it to the end. ‘Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect. He suffered death on the cross. But he accepted the shame as if it were nothing because of the joy that God put before him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. Think about Jesus’ example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying.’ (Hebrews 12:2-3 NCV).

Tiredness can be enough to make us stop trying to reach our goal, and if we’re not focused and determined on finishing, we might not restart where we left off. Here are two Scriptures that help us to set our minds and stay focused: a) ‘We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ’ (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV). b) ‘Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.…And the God of peace will be with you’ (Philippians 4:8-9 NIV).

What Now?

Pray about a challenge that you’re facing, then write yourself an action plan to help you stay focused on the steps you need to take. Write down any advice God gives you, too.