Water-Walking FaithSample

Water-walkers focus

We’re bombarded by distractions from the world around us, and focusing on the right thing – or rather, the right person, Jesus – is a matter of life and death. If you ever find yourself drowning in life’s bewildering sea of options and interruptions, battling to keep your eyes on Jesus and losing faith as a result, then today I want to encourage you that it is possible to block out the noise and hear God’s voice.

Matthew 14:30 indicates that Peter was distracted by the wind and its effects, and so he started sinking. He lost focus on the goal. He took his eyes off Jesus. Ask God to show you what’s causing you to lose focus, and which noises in your life you should perhaps switch off, permanently or temporarily. Water-walkers fix their eyes on Jesus. They know where they’re going and what they’re doing. Ask yourself: What or who has my full attention? Where is my mind most inclined to wander – and why?

I’ve learned that whatever has my focus also has my faith. The wind and the waves that distract me are fleeting. They come and go. Jesus is forever, and forever trustworthy. I’ve also learned (through the mishaps of snowboarding) that wherever I look, I will land. You’ve likely seen this principle play out in your own life too – financially, relationally, or in some other way. All this means is that, sometimes, though we know we should find our security and identity in Jesus, we find our security and identity in the wind and the waves – the unhelpful distractions of life. None of us is above giving shape and meaning to our lives primarily through work, relationships, addictions, or other endeavours. Jesus admonishes Peter for having ‘little faith’, but Peter’s loss of faith was really a result of loss of focus.

God has an extraordinary purpose for your life, and He longs for your attention. Pause to remind yourself that if your eyes are fixed on Jesus, you’ll naturally and joyfully step into your God-given calling and destiny. May you remember that water-walkers focus. Water-walkers find their identity in Jesus. Water-walkers refuse to get caught up in the disturbances of winds and waves, calming the chaos by gazing at the God whose plans and promises can be trusted.