Matthew 14:30 – But when [Peter] saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. (NLT)

I've been known to miss what I focus on — even when it's a large target. I had always hunted deer with dogs and a shotgun: I would stand on the side of the road or the edge of the woods and wait for the dogs to run the deer to me … and then shoot. Then, I moved near a friend who liked to still hunt: climb a tree, sit in a stand, and chance that the deer might actually walk past where I was sitting. For this, a rifle worked better. After purchasing one at a local retail store, I set out for my first adventure. About dusk, a herd of deer walked out of the woods about 200 yards from me. I carefully raised my rife, zeroed in on a buck, and squeezed the trigger. The rifle fired; the deer didn't move. Strange, I thought. When this had happened twice, I figured that I should check my scope. Sure enough, the rifle was shooting about 20 feet above where I was aiming.

For Peter, it wasn't a rifle. He and the other disciples were fighting a storm in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus suddenly appeared, walking on the water. Peter wanted to try it, too, and Jesus gave him permission. He did fine until he noticed the raging waves pounding his ankles. When he focused on them, he sank.

At the end of the day, a faulty scope and rough water are small things compared to other things that can steal my focus from serving God faithfully and loving Him unconditionally. Perhaps the major focus stealer for most is the busyness of life: work, relationships, hobbies, children, school, homework, community affairs. None of these is sinful, but all of them can rob me of life's true joy.

Taking time to ponder my daily lifestyle can reveal my life priorities. The results can be revealing … and shocking. When they're out of whack, they steal my focus.

May God help each of us to step back and take a look at our lives. Let us ask God to show us what might be out of focus.

Prayer: Father, focus us on the exact plan and purpose that You have for our lives. Amen.

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About the author:

Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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