“I know where I came from and where I am going.” John 8:14 (NIV)

For many people, modern-day life is fast-paced and pressured. But did you know that you can find the antidote for modern stress in an ancient book? Open up the Bible and read about the life of Jesus. He faced near-constant stress but handled it with peace—because he knew his calling and he concentrated his life around it.

Jesus said, “I know where I came from and where I am going” (John 8:14 NIV).

What about you? Do you know what God has called you to do? No matter who you are, you’re called by God. He put you on earth for a certain task, and he SHAPEd you to be able to fulfill that task. He’s given you a unique combination of Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences.

God doesn’t want you to be driven by the pressure of the world around you. He wants you to be driven by his purpose for you—by your calling. The apostle Paul said, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1 NIV).

Once you’ve figured out your calling, you need to concentrate on it—to focus on what matters most. 

It’s easy to get distracted and busy—to fill your life with good things rather than the best things. But Jesus knew that a powerful life is a focused life. The Living Bible paraphrase says it this way: “As the time drew near for his return to heaven, he moved steadily onward toward Jerusalem with an iron will” (Luke 9:51).

And Paul said it like this: “This one thing I do . . .” (Philippians 3:13 KJV). He didn’t say, “These 40 things I dabble in.” He said, “This one thing I do.” That’s focus.

Both Jesus and Paul understood this idea: Diffused light has very little power, but focused, concentrated light has enormous power. Light focused through a magnifying glass can burn paper; light focused as a laser can cut through steel.

If you’re finding yourself feeling stressed out today, it may be because your life is unfocused. Take time to discern your calling and then concentrate your life around it. You’ll find that your stress will decrease and your effectiveness in life will increase!