Have you ever read a Bible story that speaks loudly to you? Or maybe you re-read a chapter or verse and it hits a completely different way. That recently happened when I read through the story in Matthew 14 : 22-33.
Jesus sends the disciples ahead of Him to cross the Sea of Galilee. Later, Jesus follows, walking on the water through the intense wind and waves. The disciples are frightened, thinking it’s a ghost, but Jesus calms them, letting them know it’s Him.
Peter then asks for some proof in verse 28, saying, “Lord, if it is [really] You, command me to come to You on the water.” Upon Jesus’ command, Peter goes out on the water and begins walking toward Jesus. As he gets closer, he loses focus on Jesus and instead begins focusing on the intense wind and waves. Then, he begins to sink.
Calling out to Jesus to save him, Peter reaches for Jesus’ helping hand. ‘Immediately Jesus extended His hand and caught him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31 AMP).
That story stuck out to me more than ever before. It made me realize how similar Peter’s journey on the water is to our journey as Christians. When we first answer the call to salvation, we are on fire for Jesus! We read Scripture, pray without ceasing, go to church, and rely on and trust in Jesus completely. We hop out of the boat into the waves without hesitation or doubt.
As our journey continues, we get distracted by the “wind and waves” of life and start sinking into the metaphorical sea. Growing in faith should make you resemble Christ more and more. However, if your focus is inward instead of outward, things go awry. Here are 3 common ways we try to grow in faith. You’ll notice that only one of them works.
1. Focus on Yourself
James 3:16 tells us that where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing and morally degrading practice. So how will focusing on yourself solve whatever problem you’ve run into?
I have a plank in my eye on that one (Matthew 7:3), because I know there are times I try to figure things out MY way, by MY strength.
The problem with that is exactly what James 3:16 says – it always leads to disorder. When your focus is on what YOU can do, it doesn’t work out. You are a branch and you need the vine (Jesus) in order to accomplish anything. Without Him, you can do nothing. (John 15:5).
Literally every answer to every issue can be found in His word. Instead of focusing on what you can do without Him, focus on Him and invite Him into your problem.
2. Focus on Your Sin
We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Let’s face it, we can’t will ourselves to be sin-free. If that were the case, what would be the point of Christ’s death on the cross?
He took our sins upon Himself to free us from the punishment of that sin (1 Peter 2:24). The only requirements to receive that free gift are to admit you’re a sinner, believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and invite Him into your heart. (Romans 10:9)
The more you focus on your sin, the more your mind is filled with sinful things. Instead, we should be focusing on what is true, honorable, worthy of respect, right, confirmed by God’s word, pure, wholesome, lovely, brings peace, is admirable and of good repute. (Philippians 4:8). When we focus on those (Christ-centered) things, sin falls away.
On the contrary, if we focus on our sins, our relationship with Christ falls away.
3. Focus on Your Savior
When you begin to understand who Christ is and who you are in Him, you will find the immeasurable grace that God offers. It’s pretty simple to find one thing (Christ) to focus on in order to find peace in your life. At the same time, it’s so hard at times to focus on that one thing.
Life gets in the way. Trouble with finances, trouble in relationships, trouble at work, trouble with health. Jesus promises us that in this world we will have trials and tribulations. However, He follows that with reassuring us, “…but be courageous; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
Focusing on your Savior means focusing on the ONLY One who has ever and can ever overcome your obstacles.
Final Thoughts
When you go through storms or periods of distraction that pull you away from closeness with Christ, remember that even the wind and waves obey Him. He can and will be with you through any trial you may experience. Your focus on Him will stop you from sinking.
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