>> Opening Bible Verses
John 6:16-21, Mark 6:47-52, Matthew 14:24-33
As evening fell, the disciples found themselves in the middle of the sea, battling fierce winds and rising waves. Amid their struggles, Jesus approached them, walking on water, and reassured them, "It is I; do not be afraid." His presence calmed their fears and brought them safely to shore.
>> Prayer & Illustration
As we reflect on the past six months and the resolutions we made at the beginning of the year, it's vital to ask ourselves: where do we stand? Are we still focused on those commitments? Imagine being on an airplane from Hyderabad to Chennai, surrounded by fellow passengers absorbed in their work—what would it take to shift their focus? This week, we’ll explore the concept of focus in our spiritual lives and how it intersects with doubt.
>> Focus
Last week, we delved into the theme of doubt, and today we turn our attention to focus. Focus is defined as the center of interest or activity, and doubt can easily lead us to lose that focus. When we pray and set our intentions before God, our commitment should remain steadfast, regardless of distractions.
>> Examples from Scripture
Consider Moses, who spent 40 years tending sheep, seemingly far from his mission despite being called by God. He could have returned to Egypt and enjoyed a comfortable life, but he chose to remain focused on his God-given purpose, even amidst adversity, including leading a stubborn people through the wilderness. Likewise, David was anointed as king yet continued to care for sheep and write music, all while facing threats to his life. His focus was unwavering, even when opportunities for shortcuts presented themselves.
>> Four Points to Focus On
1) Start Focusing on God
Psalm 16:8 reminds us, "I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken." Similarly, Colossians 3:2 encourages us to set our minds on heavenly things, not earthly distractions.
2) Stop Concentrating on the Monster
Like David, who focused on Goliath’s forehead rather than the giant’s intimidating stature, we must fix our gaze on God's promises instead of our fears.
3) Refocus
Everyone stumbles; Moses struck the rock in anger, and David sinned. Yet, neither allowed their mistakes to sever their relationship with God. Instead, they chose to refocus and align themselves back with God's purpose.
4) Recognize What the Problem Really Is
Prayerfully identify the challenges you face. There’s a stark difference between the prayers offered in the Garden of Gethsemane and those from the cross. Each moment reflects the need for clarity in purpose. In the storm, Jesus remained focused on His mission, undeterred by the distractions around Him.
>> Conclusion
As we navigate our own storms, it's crucial to ask ourselves: where is your focus? Remember these four points: start focusing on God, stop concentrating on the monster, refocus when you falter, and recognize the true issues at hand. Keeping our eyes on Jesus ensures that we remain steady, even amidst life’s fiercest tempests. Let us choose to focus on Him today and always.
