Focus!

We watched "The Longest Day" today. This classic WWII movie was a fresh reminder to me of the spiritual battle that we are in - and of the importance of focus.

The amazing scope of "Operation Overlord" - the D-Day attack on Normandy - was successful because of a tremendous number of small assignments successfully completed. The 101st Infantry and the 82nd Airborne each has specific assignments. Unique roles were assigned to the Scottish Brigade and the Royal Air Force. The paratroopers who overshot, landed in town, and were killed, were no less significant than the men who captured the town and ran the German soldiers into the woods.

Yet each team had to maintain its own focus. The commander responsible for leading a group of men to capture and hold a key bridge until relieved kept repeating that task to himself ... and it kept him from distractions. John Wayne refused to consider turning back from Omaha Beach - even though it meant going up for the 4th time.

It's like that in this spiritual battle as well. We each have unique roles to play - and the task is so big that it takes all of us. We must focus on the tasks God gives us, recognizing that each is integral to the overall battle. Most importantly, we must maintain the primary focus where God placed it: on Jesus Christ. Looking to Him, as Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us, the "author and finisher of our faith", we will play a significant role in the ultimate victory.

Rest assured, victory will come. For now, the wartime mentality requires an intense focus. May God grant that to you today!