What Are You Looking At? Finding Focus in Life's Storms
In a world filled with endless distractions, from technology to daily pressures, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Our attention spans have become shorter than a goldfish's, yet God calls us to focus on Him, especially during life's most challenging moments.
When Distractions Cloud Our Vision
The disciples had just witnessed one of Jesus' most incredible miracles - the feeding of the 5,000. Yet despite seeing God's power firsthand, they missed the lesson. "'For they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened'" - Mark 6:52 New King James Version (NKJV). Sometimes we become so stubborn in our own understanding that we refuse to listen to what God is trying to teach us.
Why Do We Struggle to Pay Attention to God?
Just like children at a T-ball game who notice everything except the ball coming their way, we often focus on our circumstances, problems, and worries while God is saying, "Pay attention, look at Me." We get caught up in our finances, health problems, work situations, or relationship issues, missing the lessons God wants to teach us.
The Storm That Taught Everything
After the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus immediately sent His disciples across the Sea of Galilee while He went to pray. This wasn't random - it was intentional. The disciples needed to learn something they couldn't grasp while surrounded by crowds and miracles.
What Happens When All Distractions Are Removed?
Jesus systematically removed every distraction from the disciples' lives:
The Circumstances: He sent them away from the miracle site before dismissing the crowd. Sometimes we get so caught up in the excitement of what God has done that we miss what He's trying to teach us.
The Crowd: Large groups can overwhelm our senses and make it difficult to focus on God's voice. Jesus knew they needed quiet to hear Him clearly.
Himself: Most importantly, Jesus removed His physical presence. If we only follow God because of a good pastor, mentor, or parent, we don't have a relationship with God - we have a relationship with that person. Jesus wanted His disciples to learn to trust Him even when they couldn't see Him.
When Your Strength Runs Out
"'But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea'" - Matthew 14:24-25 New King James Version (NKJV).
Why Does God Let Us Get Exhausted?
The disciples rowed all night in a storm - experienced fishermen reduced to exhaustion and fear. They had to learn that their strength wasn't enough. We often treat our problems like puzzles, pouring all our mental and physical energy into solving them ourselves. But God sometimes allows us to reach the end of our rope so we'll finally look up.
Physical Exhaustion: When we're physically drained, we can't rely on our own strength. We're forced to depend on God.
Emotional Exhaustion: Fear is powerful. It can either drive us toward God or away from Him. The question is: when you're afraid, who do you run to?
Even when the disciples couldn't see Jesus, He was watching them. "'Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you'" - Deuteronomy 31:6 New King James Version (NKJV).
Faith Strengthened Through the Storm
When Jesus finally appeared, walking on water, the disciples thought He was a ghost. But Peter, in a moment of faith (or perhaps desperation), asked to join Jesus on the water.
What Can We Learn from Peter's Water Walk?
"'But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." So He said, "Come"'" - Matthew 14:27-29 New King James Version (NKJV).
Peter actually walked on water - but only while his eyes were on Jesus. The moment he focused on the storm around him, he began to sink. His simple cry of "Lord, save me!" was enough. Jesus immediately reached out and caught him.
The storm didn't disappear when Peter stepped out of the boat. The struggle was still real. But Jesus was present in the storm, and that made all the difference.
The Purpose Behind Every Storm
Why Does God Allow Difficult Times?
Sometimes we see no end to our storms and wonder why God doesn't just make them stop. But if a storm's purpose is to teach us a lesson, Jesus doesn't want us to suffer unnecessarily. When we've learned what we need to learn and our faith is strengthened, the lesson is complete.
The disciples finally understood who Jesus really was. "'Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God"'" - Matthew 14:33 New King James Version (NKJV). They weren't just following a teacher anymore - they recognized Him as the Christ, the Messiah.
What Storms Are You Facing?
You might be dealing with:
Financial difficulties
Health problems
Loss of a loved one
Workplace challenges
Relationship struggles
Spiritual dryness
The question isn't whether storms will come - they will. The question is: what are you looking at during the storm?
Life Application
This week, identify what distractions are preventing you from focusing on God. Are you trying to solve everything in your own strength? Are you looking at your circumstances instead of looking to Jesus?
Challenge: When you face difficulties this week, instead of immediately trying to figure everything out yourself, start by asking God what He wants to teach you through this situation. Trust Him with the outcome while you focus on the lesson.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
What distractions in my life need to be removed so I can hear God clearly?
Am I following God because of my own relationship with Him, or because others expect me to?
When I'm afraid or overwhelmed, do I run to God first or try to handle things myself?
What might God be trying to teach me through my current circumstances?
Am I looking at my storms or looking at Jesus?
Remember, Jesus knows exactly what you're going through. He's watching, He cares, and He's working - even when you can't see Him. The storms of life are real, but so is the God who walks on water and calms every sea.