Just one of six accidents. Don't worry, I was at a complete stop when I took this.

Just one of six accidents. Don’t worry, I was at a complete stop when I took this.

What did you do this weekend? I had the privilege of speaking at the Wesley United Methodist Church Ladies Retreat in Charleston, South Carolina. I love Charleston, but I love the women of Wesley even more. We had a fabulous time.

I drove home yesterday in the rain, most of which was heavy. It was a bit nerve wracking at times because it rained so hard I couldn’t even see the taillights of the car in front of me. Needless to say, I was gripping the steering wheel with two hands, eyes focused straight ahead. To look elsewhere would have been dangerous, as several motorist discovered firsthand. I counted six major wrecks, requiring wreckers, law enforcement and ambulances, between Charleston and Atlanta. It was a dangerous journey at times.

Life can be the same, dangerous. We have to stay alert and focused. Hebrews 12:2 says,

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

When we shift our eyes elsewhere, we can get sideswiped before we know it. The enemy is constantly looking for ways to steal, kill or destroy us [John 10:10]. He’s notorious for being on the prowl [1 Peter 5:8]. The good news is God never leaves us and when we keep our eyes fixed on Him, we can navigate the impossible [Joshua 1:9].

In Matthew 14:23-33 we read about Peter walking on the water.

Sometimes Peter gets a bad rep but he was the only one in the boat willing to risk it all to go where Jesus was and do what he was doing.

I think that’s impressive. After all, aren’t we called to go where Jesus went and do what He did [John 14:12]. Pete is my favorite disciple and the one I look forward to meeting the most in heaven. His heart was Jesus focused even when his execution of things failed.

What we learn from this story is to keep our eyes locked on Jesus. As long as Peter was looking at Jesus, he was successfully walking on water. The moment he looked away, the moment his focus was on his circumstances instead of Jesus, he began to sink.

Do you ever feel like you’re sinking? Like you just can’t make it? I know I do. the good news is we have a model of how to respond in verse 30,

Lord, save me!”

Just as He did with Peter, He’ll do for you and me. He’s never out of reach or earshot. He’s always ready and always willing, if we will just call upon Him.

Where is your focus this morning? Monday mornings can be stressful. We can get all wrapped up in our schedule for the week, problems that need solving, meetings to schedule, phone calls to return, sporting events to juggle with homework and dinner…. it can be a lot. Why not take a deep breath and shift your gaze on Jesus. He’ll help you navigate your way through it all.