Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Keep your eyes on Jesus, stay focused, and trust in Him to help you weather the storms of life.
Good morning, family! Today, we are going to dive into a message that is very relevant to our everyday lives. You know, sometimes it feels like we're constantly surrounded by storms, doesn't it? But praise God, we have a Savior who can help us navigate through these turbulent times.
Mary C. Neal once said, "Even when it feels as if we are being crushed by earthly troubles, we can remain joyful. If we keep our focus on God, our spirit cannot be trampled." Isn't that the truth? It's when we take our eyes off of Jesus that we begin to sink in life's storms.
Let's read the full Scripture passage together, from Matthew 14:22-33:
In our daily lives, we face countless distractions and challenges that can easily cause us to lose focus on our Savior. However, when we intentionally choose to keep our eyes on Jesus, we can experience His peace, guidance, and strength in the midst of life's storms.
First, let's consider the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus for our spiritual growth. As believers, we are called to continually grow in our relationship with Christ, becoming more like Him in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. This process of spiritual growth, also known as sanctification, requires us to keep our focus on Jesus and His teachings.
By studying the Word of God, spending time in prayer, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can grow in our understanding of who Jesus is and how He desires us to live. As we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can also gain a deeper appreciation for His sacrifice on the cross and the incredible love He has for us.
Second, keeping our eyes on Jesus helps us to maintain the right perspective in life. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the problems and challenges we face, whether they are personal struggles, relational conflicts, or global issues. When we focus on these problems, we can easily become discouraged, fearful, or anxious. However, when we choose to keep our eyes on Jesus, we are reminded that He is in control and that He has a plan for our lives. We can trust that He is working all things together for our good and His glory, even when we don't understand the circumstances we're facing. This perspective shift can bring us peace and hope in the midst of our trials.
Third, keeping our eyes on Jesus enables us to walk in obedience to His commands. As followers of Christ, we are called to live lives that are pleasing to God and that reflect His love and grace to those around us. This requires us to make choices that align with His will and to resist the temptations of the world.
When we keep our eyes on Jesus and seek His guidance in our decision-making, we can better discern the path He has for us and walk in obedience to His commands. This obedience not only brings honor to God but also leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
Fourth, keeping our eyes on Jesus provides us with the strength and courage we need to face life's storms. In the passage we read from Matthew 14, we see Peter stepping out of the boat and walking on water towards Jesus. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to do the impossible. However, when he shifted his focus to the wind and waves, he began to sink.
When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can experience His supernatural strength and courage in the face of our fears and challenges. When we trust in Him and rely on His power, we can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
Fifth, keeping our eyes on Jesus helps us to stay focused on our eternal purpose and calling. As believers, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the good news of the gospel with those around us. It's easy to become distracted by the cares and concerns of this world, losing sight of our eternal purpose. However, when we keep our eyes on Jesus, we are reminded of the incredible privilege and responsibility we have to share His love and truth with others. This focus on our eternal purpose can motivate us to live lives that are marked by boldness, compassion, and a desire to see others come to know Christ.
Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about a time when keeping your eyes on Jesus helped you navigate a challenging situation or storm in your life.
In the passage we just read, we see Peter stepping out of the boat and walking on water towards Jesus ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO