Matthew 14:28 “Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.” 29 “Come,” said Jesus. 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 took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”
“You of little faith”. That is almost funny. Compared to us, Peter had a massive faith! He walked on water! He had done what nobody (besides Jesus) had ever done. It was an incredible act of huge faith!
Why did Jesus rebuke Peter for lack of faith? Maybe Jesus rebuked him, not for his lack of faith, but for being distracted. Peter’s faith was working. Jesus may have been saying, “Why did you quit when you were ahead?”
Peter’s doubt came from lost focus. Focus means being in control of our minds. Are you in control of your mind? Kingdom work requires focus. Kingdom focus is discerning the difference between the world’s “truth”, our feelings, and biblical truth. It is knowing the difference between what we want and what God wants.
Colossians 3:1 Keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
“Life” will try to steal kingdom focus. Even focusing on good things can lead to bad decisions. Our spouse, kids, job, are certainly not bad things, but if they are our focus, instead of God, we can miss God’s best. Focus is where our faith is. Focus determines our destination. We are tempted to want good things instead of the God who makes all things good.
Philippians 4:11 “I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. 12 I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
When Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”, he is not saying “I always get what I want”, he is saying, “Whether my circumstances are comfortable or miserable, I am in control of my focus.” No great gains happen without careful focus.
Is our focus on ourselves or on the power of God? Is God able to use us again? Are we willing to let Him use us? Is there another accomplishment He has for us?
Today, let us focus on God’s plan.
Blessings.