I’ve been thinking about these words from Hebrews for the past several days. Hebrews 12:2 says “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” (KJV). The ESV says “…looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”

I’ve been wondering what God is doing in my life. I understand that He works all things for my good, and that He completes what He starts. I also get that when I wait on Him my strength is renewed. Even so, my struggles tend to distract my focus away from Him and set me up for discouragement.

I’ve been talking to Him about these things for a while, and the same answer keeps coming back to me. I have to keep looking at Jesus rather than my struggle. My living should be about pleasing Him rather than overcoming my struggle. When I’m focused on His guidance in my life, I’m strengthened in Him, and the struggle becomes less of a battle for me.

It’s amazing to me to see how God works in my life to help me become who He is creating me to be. He gave me my initial measure of faith. And He has proven Himself faithful over and over as He’s helped me through my struggles. And this has caused my faith in Him to grow and has taught me to remain faithful to Him and His purpose.

It’s taking some time and my exposure to experiences with Him to do so, but He’s perfecting me—He’s finishing me. He’s the finisher.