Staying Focused on the Call
The Christian Professional Journal is here to offer faith-based insights and encouragement to help you navigate work and life with purpose. Together, we’ll explore how to keep Faith First, Excellence Always, as we grow and walk boldly in God’s calling.
September has begun, and with it comes a chance to refocus and press forward. The year isn’t over, but it’s moving quickly.
This is a time to pause and ask:
How are we tracking toward finishing strong?
Have we been faithful in the work God entrusted to us, or have we let distractions cause things to slide?
We often start with zeal, but the longer the race goes, the harder it can be to keep our focus. Yet the Scriptures remind us:
“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9
A Biblical Example: Nehemiah’s Unshakable Focus
Nehemiah had a clear assignment from God, to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore order to a broken city. But opposition came from every side. Sanballat and Tobiah mocked him, armies threatened him, and even his own people grew weary. Still, Nehemiah kept his focus.
When pressed to come down from the wall and meet with his enemies, his response was firm:
“I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” Nehemiah 6:3
Nehemiah’s example speaks directly to us. The calling God has placed on our lives may not always feel glamorous or easy. But it is a “great work.” Whether it’s raising children, building a ministry, writing, business, serving in your workplace, or walking faithfully in daily obedience, each act done unto the Lord is sacred.
Nehemiah pressed on because he knew Who had assigned it. And by staying focused, the wall was completed in just 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15).
The Call to Stay Focused
Paul likens the Christian life to a race that requires endurance:
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13–14
The “one thing” Paul did was to keep his eyes fixed on Christ. The enemy’s strategy is to distract, delay, and discourage. But God’s call is to press forward… with persistence, clarity, and faith.
Reflection Questions
What “wall” has God asked you to build in this season?
Are you holding back from obedience because of fear, comfort, or distraction?
What needs to be laid aside so you can press on with focus?
Action Points for September
Identify the distractions. What has been pulling your attention away from what God has asked you to do? Name them.
Refocus on your calling. Write down the “great work” God has given you in this season and commit it afresh to Him.
Set small, consistent steps. Like Nehemiah, build “brick by brick.” Break down your calling into daily or weekly actions.
Guard your time with God. The Word and prayer fuel endurance (Psalm 119:105). Without them, we run on empty.
Encourage someone else. Just as Nehemiah rallied the people, strengthen another believer who may be struggling to stay on course.
Here are some bible verses on keeping focused, not letting things slide, and finishing strong in your calling.
Focus & Clarity of Purpose
“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
“Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.” Proverbs 4:25–26
Perseverance & Endurance
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:3
Finishing Strong
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24
“And let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1–2
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the examples of Nehemiah, Paul, and Jesus, who pressed on with courage and obedience. Help me to stay faithful to the work You’ve given me. Remove fear, distractions, and excuses from my heart. Strengthen me to press on with endurance, fixing my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith. In His name I pray, Amen.
Encouragement for You
This month, as you walk through these passages, may you discover renewed strength to press on in faith.
Gift yourself a copy of “Sin the Great Joker”, or gift it to a friend who needs encouragement to press forward in their calling.
Order here → www.sinthegreatjoker.com
And if the book has blessed you, I’d be grateful for your heartfelt review on Amazon. Your words may be the encouragement someone else needs to keep pressing on in faith.
Press on—the prize in Christ is worth every step.
Pressing On in September: A 4-Week Reading Plan
Week 1 — Nehemiah: Stay on the Wall
Read: Nehemiah 4–6
Nehemiah pressed on with the work of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall despite ridicule, threats, and exhaustion. His words in Nehemiah 6:3 remind us: “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.”
Reflection: What is the “wall” God has called you to build right now? What distractions tempt you to come down?
Takeaway: Pressing on means refusing to let fear, fatigue, or mockery pull you away from God’s assignment.
Week 2 — Paul: Press Toward the Goal
Read: Philippians 3:7–14
Paul counted all things as loss compared to knowing Christ. His life was marked by hardship, yet he pressed on: “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Reflection: What earthly things might you be tempted to cling to that keep you from pressing forward?
Takeaway: Pressing on means fixing your eyes on eternity, not temporary trials or gains.
Week 3 — Jesus in Gethsemane: Not My Will, but Yours
Read: Luke 22:39–46
In the garden, Jesus prayed in deep anguish. Yet He surrendered: “Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” He pressed on to the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2).
Reflection: Where is God calling you to surrender your will to His?
Takeaway: Pressing on means trusting God’s plan even when the path leads through pain.
Week 4 — Hebrews: Running with Endurance
Read: Hebrews 12:1–3
The writer of Hebrews urges us to run with endurance, laying aside every weight and fixing our eyes on Jesus.
Reflection: What weights or distractions do you need to lay aside this month?
Takeaway: Pressing on means endurance, running the race with eyes fixed on Christ.
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Praying His peace and blessings abound in your life.
