Scripture:
Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)
"…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him
endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Devotion Title: Eyes on Jesus
– Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)
(“[Let us be] looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” )
The Christian journey is often compared to a race, and Hebrews 12:1-2 gives us the ultimate strategy
for running well: keep your eyes on Jesus. He is described as the author and finisher of our faith – the
founder who set our faith in motion and the perfecter who will bring it to completion. That means from
start to finish, our faith journey is all about Him. When Peter walked on water, he did the impossible
as long as his gaze was fixed on Jesus; the moment he shifted focus to the storm, fear caused him to
sink. Similarly, our faith begins to waver when our focus shifts to our fears, distractions, or the “crowd”
around us. But when we fix our eyes back on Christ, faith steadies and strengthens. Why is Jesus the
focal point? Because He already ran the ultimate race. For the joy set before Him (our redemption
and the glory to come), He endured the cross and conquered sin and shame. Now He’s seated at
God’s right hand in victory. Knowing this, we can draw inspiration and courage. The One we look to
has already overcome everything that could ever threaten us. When our eyes are on Him, we
remember that our story is in His hands – He’s writing it (author) and He’ll complete it (finisher). We’re
not running aimlessly or in our own strength. In practical terms, Faith Over Fear means redirecting
our focus whenever fear tries to dominate our view. It’s a bit like driving: you naturally steer where
your eyes are looking. If we constantly look at our worries, we’ll steer our lives into anxiety and doubt.
But if we purposefully look to Jesus – through prayer, worship, reading about His life and promises –
our life will steer toward faith and peace. It doesn’t remove the challenges (the “race” still has
hurdles), but it keeps us from tripping over them needlessly. What are you fixing your eyes on today?
If it’s anything less than Jesus, it’s probably weighing you down or stirring up fear. Take a moment to
lift your gaze heavenward. Picture Jesus in His love and majesty, ruling from the throne, yet cheering
you on in your race. He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. With that vision
clear, run forward with confidence. Eyes on Jesus – that’s how we find strength to finish strong.
Reflection Questions:
1. What things tend to distract me or draw my focus away from Jesus in my day-to-day life? How
can I intentionally set my “gaze” back on Him when I notice that happening?
2. How does remembering Jesus as the “author and finisher” of my faith give me reassurance
about both my present circumstances and my future?
3. When I face fears or discouragement, what are some practical ways I can “look unto Jesus” in
that very moment (e.g., recalling His promises, envisioning His presence with me, etc.)?
Prayer:
Jesus, I fix my eyes on You right now. You are the beginning and the end, the source and completion
of my faith. Forgive me for the many times I’ve gotten distracted by the troubles around me or the
fears within me. Those things only trip me up. I want to run this race of life with my heart locked onto
You. When I grow weary or afraid, remind me to lift my gaze. You endured the cross for me and You
are now seated in victory – help me to remember that nothing I face is beyond Your power. Teach me
to trust the story You are writing in my life. May Your steady love and sovereignty be the lens through
which I see everything else. Thank You for running alongside me and empowering me to press on. In
Your name, Amen.
Practical Application:
● Start and end with Jesus – Begin each day this week by literally looking up (perhaps even
stepping outside to look at the sky) and saying, “Jesus, I choose to fix my eyes on You today.”
At night, before sleep, mentally review your day and consciously hand every concern back to
Jesus, visualizing placing it at His feet.
● One-day Jesus fast – Challenge yourself to a “distraction fast” for one day: limit social media,
news, or other inputs that often consume your attention. Use the extra time to read one of the
Gospels or spend time in worship. Notice how your heart responds when you declutter your
focus and make more room for Jesus.
● Reminder cues – Place a sticky note or phone wallpaper that says “Eyes on Jesus” in places
you frequently glance (computer, dashboard, mirror). Use these as little cues throughout the
day to pause for a second, take a deep breath, and refocus on Christ, especially if stress is
building.
Takeaway Thought:
Where you stare is where you’ll steer. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and He will guide your path, calm
your fears, and strengthen your faith from start to finish

Scripture:
Mark 5:36 (NKJV)
"As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be
afraid; only believe.”"
Devotion Title: Only Believe
– Mark 5:36 (NKJV)
(“Do not be afraid; only believe.” )
These words were spoken by Jesus to Jairus, a synagogue leader who had just received the worst
news of his life: his daughter had died. Imagine the whiplash of emotions – from urgently hoping
Jesus would heal his sick girl, to hearing it was too late. In that moment of crushing fear and grief,
Jesus issues a gentle but firm command: Don’t yield to fear; keep on believing. Essentially, “Fear not,
have faith.” Jesus then proceeded to Jairus’s house and raised the little girl back to life, proving that
no situation is beyond God’s power. This encounter teaches us the importance of maintaining faith
even when circumstances scream that all hope is lost. “Do not be afraid, only believe” has become a
timeless encouragement for us. It doesn’t mean that our problems are trivial or that we live in denial.
It means that we choose to trust Jesus in spite of the bad report, the grim diagnosis, or the sudden
crisis. Fear tells us, “It’s over. Give up.” Faith responds, “Jesus is here, and He has the final say.” In
our own lives, we often face moments where bad news or daunting challenges threaten to swamp us
with fear. It could be a phone call from the doctor, a financial collapse, a relationship falling apart, or
any “word that was spoken” that knocks the wind out of us. Right then, in the midst of that, we hear
Jesus whisper through Scripture and His Spirit: Don’t be afraid; just trust Me. Choosing Faith over
fear means deliberately focusing on who Jesus is – compassionate, powerful, and faithful – rather
than on the size of the problem. Jairus had just witnessed Jesus heal another person (the woman
with the issue of blood) on the way; he had reasons to trust Jesus’s word over the bleak news. We
too have reasons: countless promises in God’s Word, past experiences of His faithfulness, and above
all, the cross and resurrection which forever declare His love and power. Sometimes the outcome,
like in Jairus’s case, is a miraculous turnaround. Other times, faith carries us through a loss or trial
differently. But in every case, Jesus’ call is the same: “Only believe.” Fear doesn’t get to dominate our
hearts – not when our Savior is in the room. He asks us for the mustard seed of faith so He can show
Himself strong. What fear are you facing today? Hear Jesus speaking the same words to you, and
take courage.
Reflection Questions:
1. What personal situation right now is tempting me to “be afraid” or give into despair? What
would it look like in practice to “only believe” in that situation?
2. Can I recall a time when a bad situation turned around as I trusted God (or when God gave me
peace/strength even if it didn’t turn out as I hoped)? How does that memory encourage me to
trust Him now?
3. Are there any “negative reports” or voices amplifying fear in my life (news, people, inner
thoughts)? How can I counter those with the voice of Jesus and the truth of His Word?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your words “Do not be afraid; only believe” speak directly to my heart today. You know
the specific fears and discouragements I am facing. I confess that, like Jairus, I am often quick to fear
when I get bad news or see things falling apart. Please help me fix my eyes on You instead of the
storm. I choose to trust Your word and Your love above what my eyes see or my ears hear. You have
the final authority in every situation. Strengthen my faith, Lord. Silence the voices of fear and doubt
within me, and let Your voice ring louder: “Only believe.” I place [mention your specific situation] in
Your hands and believe that You are working for good. Thank You for being trustworthy and for
walking with me through every season. In Your mighty name, Amen.
Practical Application:
● Faith flashcards – Write Jesus’ phrase “Do not be afraid; only believe” on a card, along with a
few other short promises (for instance, “All things are possible to him who believes – Mark
9:23” or “I am the Lord who heals you – Exodus 15:26”). Keep these cards handy (in your
wallet, on your nightstand) and review them especially when you receive discouraging news or
find yourself worrying.
● Limit the fear feed – If you realize a lot of your input is fueling fear (excessive news, negative
people who lack faith, etc.), consider setting boundaries. Take a fast from things that spike
your anxiety for a few days. Instead, immerse yourself in faith-building input: testimonies,
uplifting worship music, reading the Gospels.
● Take a step of faith – Identify one action that aligns with “only believe” in your context. For
example, if you’re praying for a prodigal child, that step might be writing them a loving note of
hope. If you’re facing illness, it could be speaking words of life and healing over yourself daily.
Act as someone who trusts that Jesus is at work, even before you see the outcome.
Takeaway Thought:
When fear knocks on the door of your heart with bad news, let faith answer by clinging to Jesus’
words: “Do not be afraid—only believe.” Trust Him, and watch Him bring light into the darkest
situations.

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