FOCUSED ON A NEW DIRECTION

Focused On A New Direction

Some people are born with an unstoppable drive. They put their whole heart into whatever they do, never settling for half-measures. Passion, energy, and determination fuel their actions, and they are willing to go to great lengths to achieve their goals.

But what happens when all that effort is pointed in the wrong direction?

History is filled with stories of people who pursued something with everything they had, only to realize later that they had been chasing the wrong thing. Their abilities weren’t the problem, their focus was. And as soon as they redirected their energy toward something meaningful, everything changed.

That was the story of the Apostle Paul, a man who started off convinced he was doing the right thing, only to discover he had been heading in the opposite direction of truth.

Galatians 1:13-14

13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

1 Corinthians 15:9-10

9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Paul was a man of deep conviction. From a young age, he had devoted himself to learning, growing, and fighting for what he believed in. He had discipline, knowledge, and an unmatched work ethic. But in his early years, he used all those strengths in a way that caused harm rather than good.

He was absolutely convinced he was defending truth, but in reality, he was fighting against it. His focus determined his direction, and his direction determined his Position in life. A position that landed him on the wrong side of God’s Grace.

Then, one day, everything changed. Paul had a moment of clarity that forever changed his direction. In an instant, he saw that he had been on the wrong path, using his abilities in ways that were not in line with the truth.

For days, he reflected on this, wrestling with the realization that his intense efforts had been misdirected. It wasn’t that his passion, determination, or intelligence were wrong; they just needed to be aimed at something greater.

And from that moment forward, he changed his focus, and with it, his entire life.

What’s interesting about Paul’s story is that he didn’t become a different person. His personality didn’t change. He didn’t suddenly become passive or lose his enthusiasm. In fact, he became even more unstoppable than before, but now, his energy was directed toward something that truly mattered.

Instead of tearing people down, he started building people up.

Instead of fighting against God, he started sharing His Glory.

Instead of working so hard to prove himself, he started pouring his effort into something bigger than himself.

The same passion that once fueled his old way of life now propelled him toward a new purpose. Paul’s transformation highlights a simple but profound truth:

Your focus determines your direction, and your direction determines your position in life.

Think about it, where you set your focus influences every decision you make.

If you’re focused on the wrong things, even your greatest efforts can lead you away from where you truly need to be. But when your focus is right, all your talents, strengths, and abilities can work toward something truly meaningful.

It’s not about changing who you are, it’s about changing what you’re aiming for and who you’re serving. The only thing that really changes is your heart for what’s right. Everything else fall in line after that.

Paul’s story is dramatic, but the principle applies to all of us. Every person has unique strengths, gifts, and passions. The question is: Are those qualities being used in the right direction?

• Some people are relentless in their pursuit of success, only to find themselves feeling empty when they get there.

• Others chase after approval, always working hard to prove themselves but never feeling fully satisfied.

• Some pour their energy into things that feel urgent in the moment but don’t actually bring lasting fulfillment.

If the focus is off, the destination won’t ever bring peace.

But the good news is, no matter how long someone has been heading in the wrong direction, it’s never too late to shift focus.

If you feel like you’ve been chasing the wrong things, you don’t need to become a completely different person. You don’t need to get rid of your strengths or your personality. You simply need to adjust your focus.

• If you’re a natural leader, lead people toward something meaningful.

• If you’re passionate and hardworking, apply that energy to things that will have a lasting impact.

• If you’re determined and relentless, make sure you’re running in the right direction.

The moment you set your focus on what truly matters, everything changes, not because you become someone else, but because you become the best version of who God meant for you to be.

At the end of the day, Paul’s story is a reminder to ask ourselves: Where is my focus leading me?

Because direction isn’t just about where you are right now, it’s about where you’re going. And if you want to end up in the right place, the first step is making sure you’re pointed in the right direction.

So, where are you headed? And more importantly, are you ready to focus on something greater than yourself?