Having The Proper Focus
I love Peter, especially the story of him walking on water. There are so many different aspects of this story that apply to my life, especially recently.
“Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror. But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”
Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”
He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”
Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?” Matthew 14:25-31
In verse 28, it says Peter, “suddenly bold,” stepped out of the boat. Peter didn’t hesitate, he didn’t doubt, he followed in full abandonment. Over the last year, I, like Peter, started out well, with no hesitation, completely abandoned. If I am being completely honest, over the last few months, that confidence and boldness has wavered. As it’s been my hope to write this blog sooner with assurance and certainty, but unfortunately, today, I identify with Peter, doubting and struggling.
Like Peter, when my focus has become on the waves and storm, my feet begin to slip and I stumble into selfishness. The kind of selfishness that has become tired of waiting, wants and even demands answers, a timeline, movement, a sense of certainty and security.
Just as the Lord calls to Peter, He calls to me and says
“Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. I come to Him with my sorrow, my brokenness, my sin, my selfishness, my impatience, my demands, and lay them down at His feet, at the foot of the Cross, and I surrender them ALL. I beg for forgiveness, bowing before Him, acknowledging He is Lord and He is Lord over all my life and the life of my family.
So from Peter, I am learning to keep looking to Jesus, obeying Jesus even though sometimes it doesn’t make sense, knowing fear will sink you, and choosing worship over worry. Trusting in the Lord is to first remember Who He is and What He has done. In light of this knowledge, all other things: uncertainty, doubt, worry, and fear do not become the focus.
He is transforming me through this time, through the pain of uncertainty, and although waiting is difficult, I find rest and worship in Him. As we wait for Him to open doors, I desire for my life to align with Him and allow my focus to be on Christ and Christ alone.
“I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing, but I run with passion into his abundance so that I may reach the purpose that Jesus Christ has called me to fulfill and wants me to discover. I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. I run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize through the anointing of Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 TPT
