Today, we continue our series entitled “Laser Focus,” with the point being that we should live with a Laser Focus on the Fixed Purpose God established for us before the world began.
This is the main scripture we will be looking at this year.
(Proverbs 4:25 TPT)
Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions.
We spent a few days looking at Luke 10 (Mary and Martha) within the context of Proverbs 4:25. For the next few days we will do the same with the following passage:
(Matthew 14:22-32 NIV)
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.
23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone,
24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.
26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.
33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
So, what does this mean for you today? A few things.
Setting the stage.
In this season, God is calling us to zero in on the plans He laid out for us before the foundation of the world. It’s a critical time, and the message is clear: focus. God wants our eyes fixed on His blueprint for our lives, and He’s emphasizing this now more than ever. Why? Because this is also the season when distractions are going to ramp up. The enemy’s game plan is to throw as many curveballs our way as possible, trying to pull our attention away from what God has set before us. We are only 23 days into this year, and I already see it.
Here’s the deal: While God is pouring out His grace, giving us the power to achieve big things, the devil is also working overtime. He’s crafty, and he’ll use every trick in the book to distract us. The sad truth is that while some of us will stay on track, laser-focused, and make the most of this season, others will get distracted and sidetracked. They’ll miss out on what could’ve been their best season yet, not because God’s grace wasn’t there, but because they let their focus slip away.
That’s exactly why you’ll hear me talking about staying laser-focused all year. It’s not just some catchy phrase; it’s our key to making the most of what God’s got in store for us. This year, let’s be the ones who stick to the plan, who don’t let distractions get the better of us, and who really seize what God has laid out for us. Let’s not waste this opportunity. Let’s keep our eyes on the prize and make this year count.
1. Trusting in God’s Promises as the Foundation of Bold Faith:
— Embrace God’s Word as the starting point for bold faith, just like Peter’s step onto the water began with Jesus’ invitation. This reminds us that faith begins where the will of God is known. Our steps and leaps of faith must originate from a divine promise.
— When Jesus said, “COME” to Peter, it was his invitation to participate in the supernatural. Peter launched out of the boat in faith, believing that the grace was connected to Jesus’ invitation.
— No Word from will ever come without the power to perform it!
— When God speaks to you about what He is doing in this season, and He invites you to participate, BELIEVE HIM! Open your heart to His best, no matter how impossible it may seem. Peter walked on water because he had the audacity to believe he could when Jesus provided the invitation.
— This is a season for us to believe what God believes about us and to believe on HIS LEVEL!
— Make specific and bold requests in prayer, imitating Peter’s ask to walk on water, as a demonstration of our trust in God’s power.
— Demonstrate audacious faith in daily life by stepping out in areas where you feel God’s leading, inspired by Peter’s example of supernatural courage.
— Align your desires and requests with God’s purpose, ensuring our faith actions are in sync with His divine plan for our lives.
— Respond attentively to God’s invitations for supernatural experiences, staying open to divine assignments that may initially seem daunting.
— If God said it, you can do it because He has provided the faith for it!
2. Maintaining Focus Amidst Life’s Storms:
— Peter performed the impossible by the grace of God. He walked on water. But he only took a few steps. Before he went too far, Peter shifted his focus from Jesus to the wind and waves. As soon as he lost his focus, he lost his faith, and he fell into the water. This is a season where we truly need to learn from Peter’s example.
— Keep your eyes fixed and focused on Jesus in this season, and DO NOT LOSE YOUR FOCUS! Do not allow yourself to be distracted in any way.
— Recognize and avoid the danger of focusing on your circumstances instead of God’s promise. Peter shifted his focus for a moment, and as soon as he did, he began to sink. It does not take long.
— Infidelity in marriage can come because someone lost their focus and gave their attention to something/someone they were not supposed to give their attention to. Before they realize it, they are committing adultery, and their marriage is at the risk of divorce.
— People lose their health when they lose their focus when it comes to diet and exercise.
— People lose their financial stability when they lose their focus on financial stewardship.
— It does not take long. Peter just shifted his focus for a moment and lost his faith that easily. His faith was supernatural, but it was short-lived.
— Stay steadfast in faith, even when situations seem contrary to God’s promises, understanding that unwavering focus is crucial for spiritual victory.
— Learn from moments of failure, like Peter sinking, to understand how to regain focus on God after becoming distracted.
— Seek support from a faith community to help keep each other focused on God’s path, emphasizing the importance of collective encouragement and accountability.
— Use scriptural affirmations to rebuke fear and maintain a steady gaze on God’s promises, especially in the face of life’s storms. If you don’t have my affirmations books, you can get them at https://rickpina.co.
3. The Critical Nature of Immediate Obedience to God:
— In this season of laser focus on the fixed purpose we believe God has for us, our focus will help us obey God and do it immediately. Delayed obedience is disobedience.
— When Jesus told Peter he could come, Peter did not hesitate. This is the type of prompt obedience we will give God in this season while we remain focused. Said another way, our focus will help us walk in sync with God so we don’t miss out on divine opportunities.
— Delayed obedience can lead to missed divine moments. This drives home the urgency and necessity of promptly following God’s voice.
— Put faith into action the moment God speaks, as delayed action can weaken faith and cause missed opportunities for supernatural experiences.
— Obedience opens doors to supernatural experiences and divine revelations, with immediate compliance being key to unlocking these moments.
— Another reason we must remain focused is that a focused mindset will help us not overthink God’s clear instructions. Many times, overthinking leads to inaction and missed divine appointments.
— Blessings and breakthroughs come from promptly obeying God’s voice and trusting in His sovereignty. He knows what He is doing!
— In this season of laser focus, our desire should be to develop the spiritual sensitivity required to recognize God’s voice and respond without hesitation.
In closing,
2024 is all about sticking to God’s plan without getting distracted or sidetracked. Look at Peter walking on water – he did the impossible by just focusing on Jesus. That’s our playbook for this year. It’s about cutting through the noise, the chaos, and the distractions that life throws at us. We’ve got to keep our eyes locked on what God’s laid out for us, just like Proverbs 4:25 tells us.
Distractions are like the wind and waves around Peter – they’re real, and they can be scary, but they lose their power when we don’t give them our attention. Our job? Stay dialed into God’s voice, His Word, and His guidance. It’s not about ignoring what’s happening around us; it’s about choosing not to let it take our focus. God’s got a purpose for each of us this year, a specific path He’s set. Let’s not miss out on that by looking elsewhere.
Commit to this: in 2024, no matter what’s happening around us, we will focus on God’s plan. That’s how we’ll walk through this year, not just surviving but thriving, doing what might seem impossible to others. Remember, when we stick to God’s plan, we’re on the path to something greater. Let’s stay locked in and see it through.
Declaration of Faith:
Father, I live with a laser focus on Your fixed purpose for my life this year!
I trust in Your promises as the foundation of my faith. Based on Your Word, I exhibit a faith that is bold and unwavering. I respond to Your Word with courage and conviction!
Amid life’s storms, I keep my eyes fixed on You, not allowing distractions to sway my focus.
I recognize the power of Your grace in every challenge, transforming stumbling blocks into stepping stones for my spiritual journey.
In every decision, I seek Your wisdom and guidance, aligning my actions with Your eternal purpose.
I walk with You into 2024, ready to experience all You have planned, and I will not be distracted from Your fixed purpose in any way!
Your peace is my guide, Your Word is my foundation, and Your Spirit is my compass, leading me through each day with clarity and purpose.
Therefore, GREATER IS COMING FOR ME! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. AMEN!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
