Darts are a curious game.  You have a pointed sharp object you throw across the room in an attempt to have it stick in a small circle in the center of a larger circle, hitting the bullseye.  Now that in theory is the way to win the game.  All around this are varying point value areas when you miss the bullseye, some of which are double value, or even triple value.  The hardest thing in darts may be getting the first dart to hit the bulls eye, but harder yet is getting the next one and so on to hit the bullseye with the other ones are in the way!  There is something blocking the path and obstructing the target that might veer the next dart off to the side.  So you might purposefully try to hit the triple or double areas as a second or last resort!

In life we, in a way, are trying to hit a "bulleyes".  We are attempting to remain on course so that our eyes are constantly fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. (Heb 12:1-2 )  If that is our "bullseye", then we need to ensure that nothing obstructs our path on our way to get there.  Part of Hebrews 12:1 says "let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles".  We need to a people who seek to remove those things by keeping our focus on Christ, and through listening to the Holy Spirit.   Though some of the things around may seem appealing, like those double and triple points on the dart board, they are in no way equal to the prize we receive when we focus on the bullseye!

Hebrews 11:6 says "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Heb 11:6 NIV )   To know and believe that He rewards us for seeking Him is not only necessary for us to keep our eyes focused on the bullseye, it is also remembering a promise.  "He rewards those who earnestly seek him."  God promises to reward those who seek Him, to credit as righteousness the faith of those who trust Him (Rom 4:4-5 ).

Hitting the target is about getting our focus right, on Jesus.  It is  about keeping the obstacles out of our way, and about believing that God rewards those who seek Him.  Hitting the target in darts may be fun, but missing in darts doesn’t have much of a consequence.  When we lose our focus on Christ and veer off course we may began finding obstacles in our path.  That is when we need to be willing to stay upon Gods Anvil and not run from what He is doing in the molding process.  All of us have times we lose focus, but by earnestly seeking Him we can get back on course and start hitting the target again.

When traveling have you ever ended up at a completely different destination then originally intended when you left your house?  That can happen, but it would be rather unusual.  I would suspect if we had airline pilots who told us "I am going to take you to a completely different destination today as a surprise!" we would not generally consider that a good surprise.  Even if we ended up in a beautiful tropical location we always dreamed of visiting, having intended to go to a family reunion!  Our reaction might be one of shock, surprise, dismay, and eventual utter disarray and confusion.  The reaction can be as varied as the individual.  The outward reactions might be anything from humorous to scary as a matter of fact.  The internal reactions however would be where the real fight took place, and what really would matter when the plane landed at its destination.  How one reacted to the original news, and handled the flight int he middle, would determine how one would react to the news of where they eventually landed.

Our internal reactions is where we battle everyday when we are faced with major U-turns in our life.  The big trails that test us for the long term.  The trails that continue for longer then a bump, a detour, or road block.  These trials are the trials that completely alter the course of our plan and place our trust in Gods plan on an every day basis.  We start asking "God what exactly are you doing to me?"  How we react is in our control, and we can choose to run to God or away from Him.  Which we choose to do is going to make a dramatic difference in what we focus on during the trial.  That focus will determine our state of mind, our emotional well being, and our spiritual strength as we run the race that lays before us.  We are to fix our eyes on Christ, who endured the cross and sat down at the right hand of God. (Heb 12:1-2 ).

Focusing on Christ is what will determine our ability to withstand the trial, because He is where our focus lies, the goal is the prize of heaven and its reward (Phil 3:12-14 ).  When we began to lose our focus that is when we stumble, and it becomes easy for the enemy to attack us with lies.  How do we stay focused in our trial, in the midst of a U-turn?  First, we remember that God knew it was coming and intends it for our good (Jer 29:11 ).  Second, we recall that God does not change regardless of our circumstances (Mal3:6 , Jas 1:17 ).  The third step requires action on our part, we need to be sure we are an active participant in our relationship with Christ.  What does that mean exactly?  Prayer, reading Gods Word, and fellowship with believers.  Even if you are in a place in your relationship with Him where none of that is happening, it can.  The smallest gesture on our part connects us to God in a powerful way.  He desires to connect to us, He wants a relationship with you so badly He sent Christ.  So if you are in a place of confusion or disarray, simply go to God with a "Help!  I need you!"  He is there waiting to hear your voice.

If you don’t have that relationship because you have never trusted Christ and what He did on the cross, that is where it begins.  The story of how I trusted Christ can be found here:  www.LayingOnGodsAnvil.com .  I hope that you would take the opportunity to read it, and pray that you trust Christ and what He did on the cross for you.