Key scripture – “When [Peter] saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me” (Matthew 14:30, esv).

Pastor James McDonald says, picture the scene. A raging storm, giant waves crashing against a first-century fishing boat, and the disciples on the Sea of Galilee. Imagine their terror-filled eyes as water poured over the sides, negating their efforts to bail. Then God shows up.

Appearing at the least likely moment, Jesus walked toward them on the churning sea with a calm assurance. “It is I, do not be afraid” (v. 27). Twelve jaws must have dropped as the disciples, who had been totally focused on survival, were riveted by this supernatural sight.

Hearing Jesus’ voice, Peter didn’t hold back: “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water” (v. 28). “He said, “Come.” (V. 29a). So over the edge Peter climbed and—incredibly, miraculously—began to walk on top of the rolling waves. Until he sank.

The passage tells us why Peter began to sink: “When he saw the wind, he was afraid.” (V. 30). Peter got distracted. In the crisis his priority had rightly shifted from the raging storm to Jesus, but it didn’t stay on Jesus. Almost immediately Peter’s focus returned to his circumstances—and the consequences of that choice came in an instant.

Like Peter, the moment we take our eyes off of the Lord we sink. When our attention drifts, we lose our ability to hear His voice. The same wind and waves that jolt us into crying out to God one moment can distract us from Him in the next.

Here are a few common distractions that may be hindering your ability to focus on Jesus.

The Comparison Distraction: Have you been prompted to compare other people or circumstances against God’s provision for your life? Is your sense of fairness obscuring your perception of His good desires for you?

The Pride Distraction: Have you allowed an offense to become an obstacle in the path of restoring a relationship? Are your strong opinions getting in the way of being open to God’s plans?

The Bitterness Distraction: Are you bent on making someone pay for the pain they’ve caused, instead of leaving it in the Lord’s hands? Rather than pursuing peace, are you nurturing a minor matter into a major rift?

If any of those resonate, you’ve been distracted. If you can’t remember the last time you’ve looked to the Lord to direct your steps—you’ve been distracted. You’re going under. Your eyes have gotten off of Jesus and onto something else. You have driven your car in the ditch and you are upside down with the wheels off. You need to stop and confess it for the sin it is. Cry out like Peter, “Lord, save me”! And believe that He will save you just like He saved Peter.

Today is an opportunity not to sink into distraction, but to focus on the Lord and what He’s teaching you. To trust Him to handle the hard difficult situations. To release your pain and bitterness. To forgive as He has forgiven you. To let go of the hurt.

This is what life should be for growing followers of Christ: looking to God for wisdom and responding with obedience, even in the face of what may seem impossible. All the while, keeping our eyes on Jesus.

What is distracting you from being focused on the Lord? Ask The Lord what changes you could make to your daily routine or thought life that could help you keep your eyes stay fixed on Jesus. When He shows you what to do, do it.

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, I confess I’ve allowed myself to be distracted, but I don’t want to be distracted anymore. Please forgive me. I want to trust You completely no matter what is going on. Give me the strength and self-control that I need to fix my eyes on You. Help me keep my attention on my Savior, so that I can learn what You want me to learn and be who You want me to be. You are worthy of my full attention. I want to hear Your voice and follow You. Help me to remember that what is going on in my life right now is only a piece of Your plan for my life, and no matter what it looks like to me, You are in control and I need to be patient and wait on You, while You work out Your plan for me. “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:13-14). In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

 Laura Ingle