Fixing our eyes on Him

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 Imagine being in a boat during a storm, not knowing whether you can make it to tomorrow, not sure if you will see your loved ones again... pretty frightening, right?

Well, that was the situation of Peter. 

At that moment, He saw Jesus walking on the water coming towards him. 

 Then Peter called to Him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” (Matt 14:28)

What an interesting request!!!! If I were there, I would have asked, "Lord, if it's really you, calm the storm or take me home or Help me, Lord…I'm dying!!!!."

Why does Peter want to walk on the water on that stormy night?? Isn't it more comfortable to be in the boat rather than on the water? I don't know. All I know is that it takes a lot of courage to step out of the boat in that storm.

And Jesus said, "Come." So Peter walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, He began to sink. 

What's wrong with Peter, I used to wonder in the past. How can he focus on the wind and waves and forget Jesus who is beside Him? I could relate to Peter now. 

When circumstances are overwhelming, it feels natural to shift our focus from God to the surroundings. It seems normal to ask "Is it possible to fix my eyes on Him in the midst of my brokenness?" 

When Peter began to sink, immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Is it possible to have such a faith which keeps us calm amidst all the circumstances? Is it really possible to look constantly at him when the path ahead is scary??

I have been thinking about these things for a long time and asking God to help me to fix my eyes on Him no matter what. 

This morning, a recollection of three men with unwavering faith came to my mind. Remember Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?? Their experience was almost identical to Peter's. But instead of the storm, there was a king. Instead of water, there was a fire. Instead of doubt, there was faith.

They fixed their eyes on God and chose not to look at the king or the fire. Maybe it's all a choice. A choice to cling to Him. A choice to give Him authority over our circumstances. 

It requires a great deal of faith not just to step into the water and the fire but also to sustain in the storm and the furnace.

May He grant us the strength to fix our eyes on Him no matter what and to live by faith rather than by sight.




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