God wants us to keep our eyes on him. But this military lifestyle provides us no shortage of opportunities to compare our experiences to those of the men and women we serve alongside. We’re thrilled to share this encouraging post from guest writer, Amanda Mahannah.

Eyes on Him

by Amanda Mahannah

 

“Eyes on your own paper.”

Did you ever have a teacher say, “Keep your eyes on your own paper,” while passing out a quiz or test? It’s possible I just aged myself, but this phrase came up a few years ago as I worked through some unrealistic expectations with friends.

It seems a little silly, but it seems to be more than a little relevant to all areas of life these days: your relationship with God, marriage, parenting, dreams, friendships, housekeeping, schooling, career, life, … you fill in the blank. The noise is thick and the messages are so mixed.

Have you struggled to feel ‘good enough?’ 

That worth question is deep – and common. Sometimes the truth hurts, but, my friend, the truth is what sets us free… Through the eyes of men, or women, we will never measure up. But no one else’s opinion matters. Jesus says, 

“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns,
for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you
far more valuable to him than they are?” 

Matthew 6:26 (NLT)

It’s that time of year again, PCS orders and all the logistics, promotion lists, summer vacation plans, you fill in the blank. It’s easy for our eyes to wander and to let feelings creep in that the enemy would love for us to entertain. Maybe even more so in the midst of a global pandemic. And yet God says,

“You must not covet your neighbor’s house.
You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey,
or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.” 

Exodus 20:17 (NLT)

God’s plans are so much bigger than ours.

The story he is writing in your life includes paragraphs on walking through extreme obstacles, fears, regrets. And with those are chapters of his presence, unconditional love, inexplicable peace, and abundant joy. For God’s Word says,

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”  

Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)

Temptation will come, it absolutely will. This side of heaven, we will be bombarded with arrows of all kinds. Dear friend, when it comes, please remember: you are set apart. You are his beloved child, created on purpose with a purpose for good works he established just for you. There is no one else like you. Fill your mind with his Word. Let that word permeate your entire being until it also fills the deepest crevasses of your heart and soul. 

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. 

He delights in every detail of their lives.

Though they stumble, they will never fall, 

for the Lord holds them by the hand.” 

Psalm 37: 23-24 (NLT)

He’s got you. And he will never let you go. Keep your eyes on Him!

Amanda Mahannah is a military wife and mom to three children from Iowa. In 15 years of reserve military life, including a few years of active duty time in Northern Virginia, God has used every moment to draw her closer and refine her, even when she resists. Amanda loves to use all mediums to express her faith and point others to Jesus.