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Do you ever have those days where you feel like you are lost in a fog? You can see where you are, but cannot see what is in front of you. It is scary as long as you are focused on the fog. You have come to a point of feeling stuck and you become consumed with your stuckness. You focus on your circumstances and are paralyzed. Fear has gripped you to the point of hindering your ability to move forward. You need something or someone to guide you.
Can you imagine what it must be like for pilots who land in the fog? I’m sure the first few times are unnerving and maybe it is that way every time. They have to learn to trust the instruments in front of them and guidance from the airport tower. The more they do it the more they can trust the outcome. It reminds me of when Jesus walked out to the boat on the water.
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
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?”
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
When Peter’s focus was on Jesus there was no problem. But as soon as he started looking around and focusing on the circumstances he began to sink. Here is the thing. He was walking on the water and sinking in the water in the same place. The only thing that changed was where he was focused.
Where is your focus? Is it on Jesus or on your circumstances? It will make a difference as to whether you are stuck or moving forward. The circumstances may look the same, but when you are focused on Jesus you are focused on the one who has overcome all circumstances.
If you would like, please share your story here of the difference Jesus has made in your life when you are focused on Him!
Dale Weerts 