Note: I preached a message yesterday entitled, “DO NOT LOSE YOUR FOCUS,” that will bless you. Here is the link to the full message: https://youtu.be/S1eluvEv3eg
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.
For a few days now, we have been also looking at this 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.
1. When God is Present, You Have Nothing to Fear:
— “Don’t be afraid” is more than just a comforting phrase from Jesus; it’s a command backed by the presence of God Himself. When God speaks these words, He’s providing an iron-clad guarantee against fear.
In this situation, overcoming fear was not about God removing the wind, the waves or the figure the disciples thought was a ghost. Overcoming fear is not about the absence of anything; it is about the presence of God.
— Fear might be a typical human response, but when God steps into the picture, He brings a peace that is literally out of this world. It is a peace from heaven! His presence in our lives is the ultimate fear-eliminator.
— The disciples were terrified when they thought they saw a ghost. They needed to hear from Jesus to overcome this fear. Many times, we are the same way. We may be overcome by fear because of the storms of life, but once we know God is present, fear has no power over us!
— Standing on God’s promises is our defense against fear. His Word is rock-solid, giving us stability even when things around us are shaking.
— 1 Jn 4:18 says, “Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love takes away fear” (ERV). God is love. So, where He is present, perfect love is present, and His love takes fear away! God’s presence calms not just the physical storms but the mental ones, too (which is critical right now because of all the mental health challenges people are having).
— Recognizing God in every situation turns our fear into faith. Chaos might surround us, but so does God’s reassuring presence.
— Switching fear for faith is key. In 2024, as you seek to make the most of this season, I will tell you all year to fix your gaze on God’s purpose for your life, and if you remain focused, your focus will help you realize that God is present. Once you are aware of God’s presence in any given situation, fear will have no power over you. You will transition from fear to faith, and you will enter into God’s rest.
2. How Focus Will Help Fuel Your Faith:
— Peter’s venture onto the water shows the power of focus. When our eyes are fixed on Jesus, our faith is fueled, and we can do the unimaginable.
— In today’s world, distractions are everywhere, but keeping our focus sharp on God is essential for faith to flourish. Like a laser beam, our focus has to be pinpointed and unwavering.
— Our faith gets a boost when our sight is set on God and His promises alone. It’s about drowning out the background noise and tuning into God’s frequency.
— Focus isn’t just about what we see; it’s about consciously ignoring what can derail us. To walk in faith, we must deliberately turn away from distractions and look to God.
— Losing focus can throw us off track. To stay aligned with God’s purpose, we need our spiritual vision to be constantly fixed on Him.
— Every step in our faith journey requires unwavering focus on God. As Peter needed to keep his eyes on Jesus to stay above water, we need the same focus to stay afloat in God’s plan.
— As we attempt to live the life of faith, focus acts as our spiritual GPS. It keeps us locked in on the Holy Spirit and God’s promises. This way, we remain headed in the right direction, ensuring we’re always in sync with God’s plans for us.
— The message I preached yesterday was, “DO NOT LOST YOUR FOCUS.” Please watch it. It will bless you.
Declaration of Faith:
Father, I live with a laser focus on Your fixed purpose for my life this year!
In Your presence, fear has no power over me! I am secure in Your arms.
I embrace Your command not to be afraid, knowing Your assurance dispels all my fears.
Your perfect love, Father, casts out every trace of fear from my heart.
I choose to focus on Your promises, fueling my faith and overcoming doubts.
My eyes remain fixed on You, Jesus, as You guide me through every storm.
In a world full of distractions, Father, I commit to a laser-focused faith anchored in Your Word.
Your presence and power transform my fears into unwavering faith.
As I walk with You, my path is clear, and my purpose is firm.
In every step I take, I am reminded of Your love, Your power, and Your guidance.
Living this way, I know GREATER IS COMING FOR ME! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. AMEN!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
