August 19.
Remain Focused

Matthew 14:29

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

Peter said, “Master, if it’s you, I want you to do something spectacular. Let me come to you on the water. “Jesus said just one word, and that word was come. That word is mentioned 682 times in the Bible; it is a universal invitation. Then Peter did the unexpected; he walked out on the water. Some people would say that was foolish, but let me tell you, it took a lot of faith to step out of the boat. We often criticize folk for stepping out. Some of you have gone into business for yourself while other folk stand back and look at you with a critical eye. You didn’t have enough money to do what you needed to do, but at least you had enough faith to try. You cannot fail unless you make an attempt to begin with. But let’s assume that you failed; get on back up and try again. President Nixon ran two or three times before he became President of the United States. Every one of us are walking now because as babies we failed, but we got back up over and over. If you fall, don’t drink tears of sorrow; get up and make another effort.

Can’t you see Peter out walking on the water? One of the theologians said it would have been all right if a doubter hadn’t been in the boat behind him warning Peter to look over toward the big wind coming. There is always somebody hanging around to discourage you, saying, “I wouldn’t try that.” When Peter saw the wind he started to sink because he took his eyes off the savior and put his eyes on the storm. If you are going to make it in life, keep your eyes focused on Jesus, not on your husband or on your wife, but on Jesus. Don’t concentrate on your job, your boyfriend, or girlfriend, but on Jesus. Don’t be engrossed in your money, but centralize your attention on Jesus the author and finisher of your faith. When Peter started to sink, he had enough sense to turn to Jesus and say, “Save me.”