God, Me, and Us – Part ISample

The Call to Come: Finding Focus in Faith

In our journey of faith, understanding the essence of Jesus’ invitation is crucial. Consider the profound moment in Matthew 14:27 where Jesus says, “Have courage, it is I. Do not be afraid.” This statement isn’t just comforting; it’s a declaration of His divine nature, echoing the covenant name of God from the Old Testament.

When Peter, amid the stormy waters, asked Jesus to command him to walk on the water, Jesus simply said, “Come.” This single word encapsulates the heart of the gospel—an invitation to trust Christ and step out in faith. The Bible itself concludes with this inviting word in Revelation, beckoning us to come to Christ for rest and salvation.

Peter’s attempt to walk on water is a powerful illustration of faith in action. He stepped out of the boat and walked towards Jesus. But when he shifted his focus to the strong winds, fear crept in, and he began to sink. This moment teaches us a vital lesson: our spiritual progress is directly linked to our focus on Jesus. Like Peter, when we fix our eyes on Him, we find the strength to navigate life’s storms.

How do we maintain this essential “eye lock” on Jesus? It begins with understanding our values and what we deem important in life. When we know what we value, it becomes easier to focus and recognize distractions. For instance, good parents feel the weight of their role because they value their relationship with their children. They recognize distractions that pull them away from this important aspect of their lives.

The key to a deeper relationship with God lies in three simple yet profound concepts: pace, place, and grace. Consider the pace of your life. Is it conducive to spending quality time with God? Jesus’ life, marked by a pace that allowed deep engagement with people and God, is our model. Then, there’s the place. It’s essential to have a designated space for meeting God. This could be a specific room or a corner in your home that symbolizes your commitment to spending time with Him.

Lastly, grace. Not every day will be perfect. There will be days when your devotion is brief or on the go. That’s where grace comes in. Allow yourself the grace to grow in your relationship with God, understanding that it’s a journey with ups and downs.

Jesus’ call to “Come” is an open invitation to each of us. It’s a call to step out of our comfort zones and walk towards Him, keeping our focus fixed on Him, not on life’s distractions. Focusing on Jesus deepens our relationship with God, fostering a life of purpose and peace.