Notes
The grace of God, the unmerited favor of our Creator, has been revealed. We trust His grace as we look forward to what He is going to do. We can operate in this world and overcome challenges when we live by faith in God’s grace and what His plan for the world is.
Trouble will come into your life in all forms and fashions. But you can operate in God’s amazing grace and get through those challenges by looking forward to the return of Jesus. So, how do we operate with prize eyes?
1) Have the End in Mind
Prize eyes have the end in mind. The description of the woman in Proverbs 31 is a representation of us working together today as the local church. She is someone who prepares, who is diligent, and has a focus on moving forward. Having prize eyes means valuing the future over the past. Your hope has to be higher than your pain. God is the alpha and the omega; He is not finished yet.
2) Value Discipline
The Proverbs 31 woman valued discipline because she valued the future. Getting stronger physically requires the discipline to exercise, and getting stronger spiritually also requires discipline. Without a picture of the future God has in store for us, we won’t push ourselves daily to be disciplined in our faith. That is why we’re given the Holy Spirit; He might not always make you feel good, but He is there to minister to us, help us stay disciplined, and keep us focused.
3) Focus on the Prize in Spite of the Obstacles
Whether an obstacle is in the past or in front of you right now, don’t become obsessed with it. Be fixated on the victory that God can have in your life. We have the choice to pout about today, or refocus on what is still yet to come. God’s grace has been revealed; is your faith in that grace and are you operating with prize eyes?
Group Questions
- How do we keep our focus on the future?
- As the church, how are we to be like the Proverbs 31 woman?
- What steps do you need to take in spiritual discipline?
- How can you remind yourself of God's grace and promises when facing obstacles?
Prayer
Thank you for your grace that sustains us through every challenge. Help us to have prize eyes, focusing on your promises and the future you have planned.