Eyes on Jesus

Scripture: Matthew 14:24-31    Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.

   So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Observation: The saying "Keep your eyes on Jesus" is probably the most obvious observation when you look at the scripture about Jesus walking on water. But when I read this scripture, it actually reminded me of what I have been learning about the grace of God. Sometimes we think like this: (1). We are saved by the grace of God (2). We die and go to Heaven by the grace of God (3). but in the middle we think we have to work to keep God happy and hope he doesn't change his mind about saving us. 

Some people even say that your saved by grace but kept by works! But if I keep my salvation by works, then that is not grace! If we look at the people of Israel, they were never known for their good works but God chose them to be His people anyway and he kept His promises to them because of His grace! 

Application: What I'm trying to say is this: Whenever I focus on myself, and my performance I forget about the wonderful grace of God. God is not struggling to love me, He does not need to grow in His love for me! There is nothing I can do to make God love me any more than He already does. God proved His love for me when He died for me on the cross 2,000 years ago! I'm so thankful that I never did anything to deserve my salvation! It's all grace! That is the best news in the world! that's why it is called the GOOD NEWS!

So... I'm gonna stop looking at myself, I'm gonna stop focusing on the storm and the big waves, and I'm gonna keep my eyes focused on Jesus! Whenever I focus on myself I am totally miserable! Whenever I think, "I didn't pray long enough" or "If I don't read my Bible God can't bless me", those things cause me to forget the wonderful grace and mercy of my Lord Jesus Christ!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your grace and mercy! Thank you for choosing me for no other reason than your love for me! Your love fills me up with joy! Your love for your children is unconditional, and I know that this is hard for my limited brain to comprehend. Help me to grow in your grace, help me to have the confidence that comes with being a child of God. In Jesus name, Amen!!