“Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’
‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’
‘Come,’ He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (Matthew 14:25-30)
I imagine that, in mere milliseconds, Peter recalled the moment when Jesus told them to cast their nets into the sea, even after they had toiled all night without success. At His word, they obeyed, and the miraculous happened.
In that first encounter, they didn’t know what to expect, but there was something undeniably compelling about the man standing before them. To borrow the words of my husband, Jesus had anakazo—a compelling force that drew them in. The anakazo in His words moved them to listen and obey, even when it defied logic.
By the second instance, Peter had a precedent to help him envision the possibility of stepping out and walking on water.
This is the difference between the person who boldly and audaciously goes about doing God’s will and the one who hesitates. Experience with God’s faithfulness fuels faith and courage to step into the impossible.
A few moments later, as Peter walked, he saw something else—the wind. In seconds, the wind painted a picture in his mind, a vision of him drowning. He took his eyes off Jesus and focused on that image of him drowning and as a result, he really began to sink.
Guard your Eyes and Ears
What you see and hear is constantly painting a picture in your mind’s eye and in your heart. That picture can either build your faith or lead you into fear.
The world is still suffering the consequences of one woman who took her eyes off God, His word, and His command. Though our Lord Jesus came to reconcile us with the Father, that single act of disobedience—Eve choosing to focus on the false picture the devil painted—cost humanity far more than she bargained for.
Even now, we witness the fierce opposition from the descendants of Ishmael, which can be traced back to a moment of pain and weakness when Sarah took her eyes off God’s promise. She lost sight of the picture He painted for her and Abraham, leading to decisions that carried consequences beyond her lifetime.
How to Set God Before You – a few key things that will help you set God before you
It takes strength to remain joyful in the midst of chaos, to fix your eyes on what truly matters when you’re surrounded by the storms of life.
Psalm 16:8 generously gives us the key to staying focused: “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”
By intentionally placing God at the center of our focus, we find the stability and peace to stand firm, no matter what comes our way.
- Pray in the Spirit Always (Ephesians 6:18)
Pray intentionally, not mindlessly. This is how you build yourself up and keep the picture of God’s promises clear in your heart. Jude 1:20 reminds us to “build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.” - Guard Your Eyes and Ears
What you allow into your heart shapes the pictures you see. Remember the Israelites who died in the wilderness?
If they could speak, I believe they would surely regret how they handled the report of the ten spies. The negative report led them to see themselves as small, helpless, and doomed, painting a distorted picture that was far from God’s vision for them. Their focus on the wrong image kept them from entering the Promised Land. - Give yourself to the Word of God snd its transformative power
Take God’s command to Joshua as a personal command to you. In Joshua 1:8, God instructed Joshua, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
What Should You Set Your Eyes On?
Having considered these examples, what does God want us to focus on? Here are three key things to set your eyes on:
- Eternal Life
Jesus Christ instructs us in Matthew 6:19-21:
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Our ultimate focus should be on heavenly treasures, not temporary earthly possessions, as our true reward is eternal life with God.
If Paul, a man with struggles and desires like ours, could keep his focus on eternal life, we can do the same. (Philippians 3:13, 1 Timothy 6:12) - His Will for You
If you’re unsure or don’t yet have clarity about God’s specific will for you, start with the general will that is known to every believer. Jesus commissioned us in Matthew 28:19-20 to go into the world, make disciples, baptize, and teach them His commandments. This is the foundation of God’s will for us. As we walk in this purpose, we are assured of His presence: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Victory
Regardless of the length or intensity of the battles you face, envision victory. The enemy may attack, but God promises ultimate triumph over every challenge. Keep your eyes on the victory that is guaranteed through Christ, no matter how fierce the battle may seem.
Reflection
Think on the ways God has shown Himself faithful and loving to you.
In what ways has He demonstrated His mercy, protection, and how much He cares deeply about you?
Let those moments inspire you to trust Him and let Him paint a picture of possibilities in Him.
