Matthew 14:28-31a(NLT) Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him.
Peter began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and concentrated on the storm. His faith wavered. Don’t focus on the waves of circumstance or pain, focus on Jesus and His power to help you.
“Focus on Jesus Christ. When Peter kept his eyes focused on Jesus, he could walk on water. The storm, the waves, and the wind could not hinder him as long he centered his focus on the Savior.” – Alvin F Meredith
Peter’s faith in Jesus’ command and obedience caused him to walk on the water. However, when Peter took his eyes off Jesus to look down, he got distracted. On seeing the water, waves and wind and realising what he was doing caused him to lose his focus and his faith and start sinking.
God’s Word is like that for believers. We live in a turbulent world. Waves of finances, sickness, despair, relationship, and personal issues threaten us and pull us under. If we keep our eyes fixed on God’s Word, we can stay above the waves. If Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he could stay above the water, even though he was in the midst of it. It was when he took his eyes off Jesus, he got overwhelmed.
Isaiah 26:3-6(MSG) People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit. Depend on GOD and keep at it because in the LORD GOD you have a sure thing. Those who lived high and mighty he knocked off their high horse. He used the city built on the hill as fill for the marshes. All the exploited and outcast peoples build their lives on the reclaimed land.
Jesus is the answer to every problem we will ever have and every challenge we will ever face. Unfortunately, though, during the storms of life, it’s often tempting to take your eyes off Jesus and start looking at other things.
I conclude with Hebrews 12:2(MSG) Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed – that exhilarating finish in and with God – he could put up with anything along the way.