Stay Focused On Jesus

Whenever you face challenges in your life, what is the first thing that you think about?
Do you immediately begin to fear and focus on your circumstance and problem – or do you focus on the One who can give you the answer to your problem?
In our Christian walk it’s important for us to always learn to stay focused on Jesus who is the Author & Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). It’s important that we don’t get distracted by waves of circumstances in our life but that we hold on to Jesus.

Matthew 14:29-30 NKJV
So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

Sometimes life is full of challenges. There are things and situations that we face that cause us to fear, worry or become depressed. However in life, we should not allow problems to paralyze us or allow them to dictate our emotions and our mission. We must be focused on Jesus and remember that Jesus can save us from our challenges.
Jesus’ disciple Peter faced a situation where his faith was tested by the situation that surrounded him.

Matthew 14:28 NKJV
And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

When Peter saw Jesus walking on water towards them, Peter also wanted to walk on the water, just like Jesus. We too are all called in our Christian life to imitate Jesus. Peter initially showed faith by wanting to walk on water in order to imitate Jesus. However, as Peter began to walk on the water, he started to pay more attention to the boisterous wind, instead of focusing his attention on Jesus and going towards Him. As a result, the more Peter focused on the strong wind, the more he became afraid.
Life’s challenges can do that to us at times. When we focus on our challenges or on a bad circumstance, we begin to fear, worry and doubt. God wants us to focus on Him only, no matter what challenge or difficulty you are facing. Because the more you focus on your difficulties, the more you fear and the less you focus on Jesus. Remember – only Jesus can save you.

Matthew 14:30 NKJV
But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

Therefore Peter began to sink because he was afraid and he also took his eyes off Jesus and focused more on the boisterous wind. Do not let your difficulties paralyze or sink you. Focus on Jesus. Give all your issues to Jesus. Let Jesus save you.
When Peter realized that he was sinking, he knew who to cry to – Peter cried to Jesus to save him. Even in your own difficulties, cry to Jesus to save you – and Jesus will save you – just like He saved Peter.

Matthew 14:31-33 NKJV
And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

TODAY. If you are going through difficulties, focus on Jesus – not on your circumstances.