“It’s the eye of the tiger, the thrill of the fight, rising up to the challenge of our rival.” That song isn’t just about survival—it’s about determination, heart, and going the distance. Today’s focus is on the tiger—powerful, agile, and cunning, with stripes as unique as fingerprints. Sadly, they’re also endangered—fewer than 9,000 remain. But one of the most amazing things about a tiger is its vision. With more rods than cones they can detect movement in the dark with incredible precision. And just like God gave tigers their vision, He wants us to develop that kind of focus—the “eye of the tiger”—so we can see life clearly and are not overcome by the enemy.

Life hasn’t always been this tough. In the beginning, Eden was paradise. But Adam and Eve chose their own way, and sin entered the world. Since then, we’ve been in a fight—a cosmic battle between good and evil, a battle for our souls. Sometimes the fight is within us—like Paul said in Romans 7, “I don’t do what I want to do. Instead, I do what I hate.” Sometimes our fight is against culture, temptation, or even the devil himself. But we’re not fighting alone. The “heroes of faith” listed in Hebrews remind us that spiritual resources are available, and that faith isn’t about escaping struggles—it’s about enduring them with God’s help.

Hebrews 12 says we’re surrounded by a great crowd of witnesses—those heroes of faith, cheering us on as we face life’s challenges. It’s a fight, and to win, we have to strip off the weight—the distractions, sins, and burdens that weigh us down—and focus on Jesus. We each have a different battle; be who God created you to be. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the ultimate champion, who endured the cross because he focused on the goal—salvation for you and me. If you focus on the pain you’ll feel like quitting, but if you focus on the gain, you can endure. Short-term pain produces long-term growth, and with God’s strength, you can win whatever fight lies before you.

Finally, remember what Jesus did for you. He endured criticism, torture, and death so you could live. Maybe you’ve been tempted to quit—on your marriage, your finances, your health, your commitments, or even your faith. But God hasn’t called you to give up. He’s called you to rise up, step back into the fight, and press toward the prize, just like Paul wrote in Philippians 3:14. So fight your fight. Keep the eye of the tiger. And with your eyes fixed on Jesus, you can win.

Scriptures – Matthew 6:22 (NIV); Romans 7:15 (NLT); Hebrews 11:39-40 (BSB); Philippians 3:14 (MEV); Hebrews 12:1-4 (NLT)

Verses – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now, he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. (Hb 12:1-4) I press toward the goal to the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Ph 3:14)

Discussion – What does having the “eye of the tiger” (God-given vision) mean for your life right now? What “weights” or distractions slow you down in your spiritual life? How can keeping your eyes on Jesus help you endure the challenges you face? In what ways do you see yourself in a spiritual fight—personally, culturally, or spiritually? What promise of God gives you strength to keep pressing forward when you feel like giving up?

Prayer – Lord, help me to move forward with the eye of the tiger—strong in faith, clear in vision, and focused on Jesus. Give me courage for the fight, endurance for the journey, and joy in the victory that is already mine through Christ Jesus. In His Holy Name, I pray, amen.