Fix Your Eyes on Jesus: Distraction and faith

As I was reading Matthew 14, the Lord pointed out something new about distraction…

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?”

*First of all, this happened immediately after the disciples watched Jesus perform more than one miracle. Like, he told them to get in the boat right after the feeding of the 5,000.

How quickly we forget the moves of God…

Key Takeaways: Peter could literally see Jesus with his eyes, and he still doubted him.

Once he stepped out onto the water, he had more physical proof, and still doubted.

Peter was human. His brain still functioned as it was designed; to keep him safe and comfortable. Even though Jesus was standing in front of him, he was still overcome with distraction and the fear of his circumstances, and began to sink.

Here's the biggest takeaway; Even though Peter doubted Jesus, the second he called out to him, Jesus “immediately” pulled him out of the depths to safety.

Faith requires us to go against our own human nature a lot of times, but this does not deter God. He promises NEVER to leave you or forsake you. Even if you feel far from Him, He is close to you, and when you cry out to Him, He will IMMEDIATELY pull you out of the depths.

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