"Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you." Proverbs 4:25
Since the Boston Marathon is known for hosting the fastest runners in the world, it's only appropriate that Loren Zitomersky, known on social media as "Backwards Guy”, would attempt to break a speed record there. At next month's iconic race, Loren, who is raising money for awareness and a cure for epilepsy, will attempt to break the world record for running the fastest marathon backwards. And as you can imagine, running backwards for 26.2 miles has many hazards. Zitomersky says that he has slammed straight into trees he didn't see and has taken plenty of nasty falls. I guess there are definite advantages to keeping your gaze “straight before you.”
And when it comes to avoiding nasty falls and slamming into objects, habits, or situations that might hurt us, Solomon advised you and me to focus our eyes "directly forward," that we might not fall into any of it. You see, when you and I look backward to our past, we can be tempted to return to our old transgressions and way of living. And when you and I look to the side, taking our eyes off Jesus (even for a moment), we can be tempted to take detours that lead straight to sin and the suffering that accompanies it.
So let us remember that, to run the race set before us and avoid any distractions or temptations that might cause us to do otherwise, we must keep our eyes looking “directly forward.” And we would be wise to also remember the simple and elementary words of Rudyard Kipling, "Never look backwards or you'll fall down the stairs."
And when it comes to avoiding nasty falls and slamming into objects, habits, or situations that might hurt us, Solomon advised you and me to focus our eyes "directly forward," that we might not fall into any of it. You see, when you and I look backward to our past, we can be tempted to return to our old transgressions and way of living. And when you and I look to the side, taking our eyes off Jesus (even for a moment), we can be tempted to take detours that lead straight to sin and the suffering that accompanies it.
So let us remember that, to run the race set before us and avoid any distractions or temptations that might cause us to do otherwise, we must keep our eyes looking “directly forward.” And we would be wise to also remember the simple and elementary words of Rudyard Kipling, "Never look backwards or you'll fall down the stairs."
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that, to run the race well, we must keep our eyes fixed on You at all times. Help us to train in the Word daily that we might know the correct path and avoid any desires to steer from it. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
No turning back - Brandon Heath
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