There are times we go through some difficult situations in life. There are times we are forced to lose focus of that which is really important. There are also times when life present to us LIMES just to make us cry. There are times when we decide to do something and all of a sudden, we become lethargic about it. We throw away our zeal, energy, interest and confidence. There are even times we decide to step out in faith but somewhere along the line, false experiences begin to appear real ( FEAR), causing us to lose focus of what originally stirred up our faith.
These are just normal circumstances, a very integral part of life—challenges and its effects. We cannot shy away from these, but the question is, when these things arise, what should be our attitude? I will tell you—we are to stay focused.
I’d like us to look into the scripture and consider briefly the story of a man who started well enough but ended almost badly.
"And in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.* And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled (afraid), saying it is a spirit, and they cried out for fear. But straightway(immediately) Jesus spake unto them saying, Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said come, and when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and he beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, o thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?’’ (Matthew 14:25-31).
Peter who saw Jesus alongside other disciples walking on the sea was the only one bold enough to ask Jesus for the same privilege. He was daring right? You can say that again. He was a man of faith, he believed if Christ could walk on the sea, he could do it too and he did. But did you notice anything along the line? He was distracted, he lost focus (when he saw the wind boisterous). Rather than focus on Jesus who gave him permission to walk on the sea, he decided to look at and listen to the boisterous wind, and that distracted him. He failed to remember that Jesus who was the author of his faith (his belief and courage to walk on the sea) was also the finisher of it.
You see, there are things that will appear real so as to discourage us, distract us, manipulate us, etc, but we are able to overcome all because Christ has made himself available and all we need do is focus on him—looking up to him at all times because he is the author and finisher of our faith ( Hebrews 12:2). The book of Proverbs also instruct, " Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee (Proverbs 4:25)". Not sideways. Not behind. But ahead( at Jesus). This is because when you look sideways or behind, you'll see the boisterous wind but when you look ahead, you'll see Jesus.
Focus on Jesus, not on your storms so that unlike Peter, you would walk and not sink. But if like Peter, you are sinking already, all you need do is focus on Jesus and just like he helped Peter, he is there to stretch out his hands to help you out so you can look up to him again. Let Jesus be your focus. May the Lord bless his word in our hearts. Amen.
Thought for the day: The one whose eyes is fixed on Jesus would walk triumphantly over the challenges of life. Do not take your gaze away from him.
Gospel Today is a comforting, exhorting, edifying and inspiring devotional published by the Delightsome Land Christian Ministry. For questions, enquiries/testimonies, please call/WhatsApp: 08174915361, 08161655758 or Email: [email protected].
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