Focus on Jesus, Not the Storm

We all go through seasons in life where everything feels stormy. The waves of problems crash around us, and it feels like we can’t catch a break.

But in those moments, God’s Word gives us powerful lessons on how to endure, overcome, and step into our destiny.

One of the most powerful passages that teaches this is found in Matthew 14:22–33, where Jesus walks on the water and calls Peter to come to Him.

I’ve spent time meditating on this passage daily, and I want to share what the Lord has shown me—truths that will help you face the storms in your own life.

Jesus Sends Us on a Mission, Even When He Feels Far Away

“And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.” – Matthew 14:22

Jesus had just finished feeding the five thousand. Immediately after, He commanded His disciples to get into a boat and cross to the other side of the sea. This wasn’t a suggestion—it was an assignment.

And just like the disciples, God gives us missions in life. He calls us to move forward, to step into our purpose, and to trust Him along the way.

But the journey is not always smooth. The disciples soon found themselves in the middle of a raging storm, tossed by the wind and waves.

While the disciples battled the storm, Jesus had gone up into a mountain to pray. From their perspective, He was distant. But from His vantage point, He could see everything.

“But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.” – Matthew 14:24

There are times when it feels like Jesus is far away from us too—like our prayers aren’t reaching Him. But He sees every wave, every gust of wind, and every struggle we face. 

He has not left us alone in the storm. Share on X

The Darkest Hour Before the Light

The Bible tells us that Jesus came to them in the fourth watch of the night (Matthew 14:25)—between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. This is the darkest part of the night, just before the light begins to break.

Isn’t that how life often works? Right before the breakthrough, things seem the darkest. The enemy wants to discourage us at that very moment, whispering that we won’t make it.

But that’s when Jesus shows up—walking on the water, proving that nothing is too powerful for Him.

When the disciples saw Jesus walking toward them, they were terrified. They thought He was a ghost. But Jesus immediately spoke words that changed everything:

“Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” – Matthew 14:27

In the midst of chaos, Jesus didn’t just calm the storm immediately—He calmed their hearts. He reminded them to rejoice even in the storm, because His presence changes everything.

This is a reminder to us: joy is possible even when life looks bleak.

Why? Because Jesus is with us.

Peter Walks on Water: The Danger of Losing Focus

Peter, bold as always, said:

“Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” – Matthew 14:28

And Jesus answered with one powerful word: “Come.”

Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. Imagine that—doing the impossible, simply because his focus was fixed on Christ.

I’ve had moments in my own life where the only way forward was to trust Jesus. When I started a new business, when my family faced uncertainty, and even in personal struggles, the times I kept my eyes on Him were the times I was able to walk in victory—even when everything around me looked impossible.

But the passage doesn’t end there.

“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” – Matthew 14:30

Peter was fine as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. But the moment he focused on the storm, he began to sink.

How many times does that happen to us? We start out strong, but when we look at our circumstances instead of our Savior, fear creeps in. And just like Peter, we begin to sink.

Yet even then, Jesus doesn’t abandon us.

“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” – Matthew 14:31

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

The lesson is clear: storms will come, but storms don’t define us. What matters is where we fix our focus.

If you focus on the waves, you’ll sink. If you focus on Jesus, you’ll walk in victory. Share on X

Whatever storm you’re facing—family struggles, financial hardships, doubts about the future—Jesus is still saying, “Be of good cheer. It is I. Be not afraid.”

Don’t let fear, doubt, or distraction keep you from walking out the mission God has given you.

The storm is temporary. The Savior is eternal. Keep your eyes on Him, and you will not fail. Share on X

If this post encouraged you, I recommend reading this related article: Running Out of Time? God’s Word Says You’re Not. It will remind you that God’s timing is perfect and that you’re right where He wants you to be.

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