Focus On Jesus Christ! ( Matthew 14:25:-31)

And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Matthew 14:25-31

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This story recently came to mind and I believe it was God's way of encouragement to me and I just have to share it. I wanted to tell a brother or sister in Christ about this in person, but didn't get to. This while such a familiar story is a favorite of mine. Despite how it is only a few verses, there is so much in it. For one you see how Peter just jumped out of the boat and went to Jesus. He didn't think in his mind that he was a man not meant to walk on water. Instead he focused on Jesus alone. Peter saw his master and the one he loved and wanted to be with Him.

Another thing I see in this story was what happened shortly after he got out there. He looked around and saw the wind, the water and then became afraid. Instead of being focus on Jesus he became focused on his circumstance. How many times do we do that? How many times do we look at what we are going through and say why me? Instead of looking around at the circumstance we need to look to our our redeemer, who is ever present in any trouble we may be facing. He is not far off, just watching us go through trouble. As it is written if he is for us then who can be against us?( Romans 8:31 ).

Another thing I see in it is love. The love you see is how Jesus did not let Peter sink. Despite his lack of faith, he loved him. The disciples, they were not perfect no more than any of us were. What made them who they were was they lived for the one they loved. They loved God with all their hearts, with all their strength, and with all their soul. This cost them their lives,but they knew this and were willing to do it for His name sake.

What amazes and puts me in awe is how God uses everyday people. You can see this when read His Word. Amazing to know that even someone like me, who I think is just John can be used. The thing is we must focus on Christ and Christ alone. Notice how when Peter was focused on Jesus he was walking on the water and didn't see the wind. He didn't realize he wasn't supposed to be doing that. All he thought about was Jesus. The same should be applied to our lives. When we witness to someone don't worry about the words or if you will offend them. Instead focus on Christ and rely on what He will give you. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding( Proverbs 3:5 ). Friends I'm offering this encouragement to all my brothers and sisters.


God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><