Focus Shift

I have been finding myself a bit more stressed over the past few weeks. I am sure I am not the only one in that boat. School started back, work has picked up in intensity, and even church has seemed to be just the slightest bit more involved. These are all great things. I enjoy pursuing a degree. I am lucky to have a job that allows me to have the flexibility I need. I love getting to serve at Bridges. However, over the past few weeks I have noticed my focus shifting.  
 
This reminds me of a story we see in Mathew 14. Many of you know it, Jesus had just got done with the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. He sends the disciples ahead of Him in a boat and in the middle of the night He comes to them by walking on the water. I like to try and think of how I would react in situations that the disciples were in. I have no clue what I would have done with this one. I don’t think we could ever really know how we would react but, we do know what Peter decided to do. He says “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water,” and Jesus calls him. So, Peter, gets out and starts to walk on water with Jesus.  
 
Now, I think it is important to note, I am no Peter. I don’t know if I would have stepped out of that boat. However, I think we can learn from what happens next. Verse 30 takes us to where Peter started to look. He was locked in on Jesus, but he started looking at the wind and got scared. When he took his gaze off Jesus and let fear creep in, he started sinking. That is where I have found myself lately. I have found my focus shifting from Jesus to the circumstances that have grown around me. 
 
There’s hope in that moment. Peter calls on the Lord for help, and verse 31 says that Jesus “immediately” reached out and grabbed Peter. What happens in this moment will always bring me encouragement. Jesus asks a question. The question is not a question that would have come to my mind. I would have asked why he looked down! Peter you were doing so good, why did you look down? Not Jesus, He is more concerned with the roots of what happened. Jesus asks why he doubted. There is so much power there. See, Peter took his eyes off Jesus after noticing his situation because he thought he needed to take over. He doubted that Jesus was in control. The problem wasn’t the circumstance, it was the doubt that crept in behind the fear. When you survey your circumstances and see the wind, rest in the fact that Jesus is in control. That has been my mindset as I am moving through this busy season. I encourage you to do the same. Rest in Jesus.