Our focus starts with what we determine is most important.
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Matthew 14:22-33
Common areas of distraction:
1) Stories we tell ourselves
2) Stories others tell us
3) Lack of boundaries
4) Fear
How does Jesus combat our distractions?
1) His Power
• Do you believe the presence of God has more power than your current circumstance?
• Do you have more or less hope if you focus on the power of the presence of Jesus in your life?
2) His Commands
It is hard to center our courage in Jesus when we have already occupied that space with ourselves.
Acknowledge what you see but trust in what Jesus said.
A time of resistance can be a precursor to your greatest revelation in your faith.