Look to Jesus

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Our baby is learning how to drive, which is crazy because it feels like yesterday that she was in diapers. Every time I explain a road rule, I remember what it felt like to learn myself—because that feels like yesterday too.

Some things stand out in my memory, like my mom riding shot-gun, pointing my attention into the distance and telling me to stop focusing on the car in front of me.

As I repeated that lesson and heard my mom’s voice come out of my mouth, I couldn’t help but think of Peter’s focusing problem.

Immediately He [Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”

Look to Jesus

How many of our daily worries, anxieties, and stresses would fade into the sound of Jesus voice if we only knew where to focus? If we only remembered Who to call? But we are too focused on ourselves, our lives, and our needs instead of the One Person who can bring peace to the storm.

When Peter climbed out of the boat, he had his eyes focused where they should be—in the distance, on Jesus. But then he let the reality of life crash around him and turned shortsighted. He started focusing on the waves that were lapping his feet.

I’m afraid I’m not much different.

But with just one call to my savior the waves can be silenced. C.H. Spurgeon said, “Therefore, look not so much to thy hand with which thou art grasping Christ, as to Christ; look not to thy hope, but to Jesus, the source of thy hope; look not to thy faith, but to Jesus, the author and finisher of thy faith.”

How many of our daily worries, anxieties, and stresses would fade into the sound of Jesus voice if we only knew where to focus? If we only remembered Who to call? But we are too focused on ourselves, our lives, and our needs instead… Click To Tweet

12 thoughts on “Look to Jesus”

  1. Marcie Cramsey

    Looking toward 2020 I pray my focus can be more and more on Jesus and the calling he has for me. I love Peter’s story in the Bible, his life is much like mine in so many ways. Particularly this one that you write about. It’s so easy to get distracted! Great post, Stephanie!

  2. Melinda Viergever Inman

    A great reminder! We’re relocating again and my mind is filed with the many details. Hence, I’m awake in the middle of the night reading and commenting. I can’t function like this for the duration. Eyes on Jesus, not on the waves.

  3. Nancy E. Head

    Love this: “How many of our daily worries, anxieties, and stresses would fade into the sound of Jesus voice if we only knew where to focus? If we only remembered Who to call? But we are too focused on ourselves, our lives, and our needs instead of the One Person who can bring peace to the storm.”

    Gotta get out of the boat. God bless! Happy New Year!

  5. Stephen De La Vega

    This is a perfect message to end one year and start another. Congrats to you and your new driver. Things will be a little different now. I also want to say I miss your blog posts and I look forward to reading more. Have a blessed 2020. I hope to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus on into 2020 and beyond. Thank you for this encouragement.

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