What's Next?Sample

PERSPECTIVE

One of my favorite memories is teaching my boys to swim. Water wings on, toes curled on the edge of the pool, knees bent ready to spring… then hesitation. The first jump was always the hardest.

Look at me. I got you. 

No, I can’t. I can’t do it.

Yes, you can. I’m right here. I’ll catch you. Look at me.

We’d lock eyes and they’d jump. But if anyone broke the gaze, we’d have to start all over again. I think this is what happened to Peter. He was confident when he stepped out of the boat and walked toward Jesus. He was undeterred by the wind and the waves. But when he looked away from Jesus, fear replaced faith. Peter had Jesus right there, close enough to reach down and rescue him, but all Peter could see was the storm. The waves got bigger and Jesus got smaller. If we let fear and uncertainty run the show, we’ll sink like Peter. Faith is about focus. The more we choose to look toward Jesus, the more our focus will shift away from our fears.

Pray – God, I know that you love me and that you are here with me. Give me peace in the midst of my fears and uncertainty.

Plan – Pay attention to where your focus shifts this week. What are three areas you’re looking at instead of looking to God?

Pursue – Pick one of those areas and shift your focus to Jesus as you choose to trust him with it.