Readjusting Our Eye Focus

Peter is a man after my own heart. I feel a certain bond with him. Perhaps, it is because he reminds me of myself at times and my friends and family at other times. Or it could be that I see Peter in all of us as we walk the Christian path and strive to serve Christ obediently, and yet, possessing shortcomings that can become our own stumbling stones.

We commend Peter for attempting what we might consider the impossible. Water, after all, is not cement or paved road. But he did actually walk for a certain space across the turbulent waters. How was he able to do this? It was simply that he had his eyes on Jesus, the symbol of victory, approaching through the storm. Faith identified him with Christ and endowed him with divine power. It is an example of faith in action, for it brings life into harmony with the creative will. Such faith is the victory that overcomes the world. In that moment of utter and complete identification with Christ, Peter achieved the impossible.

But, when he took his focus off Jesus; when he began to focus on the storm, he began to sink. How sad to fail after having started successfully. This scenario mimics our own does it not? So often we begin well but become distracted by negative forces. We allow our fears and unbelief; our overconfidence and feigned self-sufficiency to capture us and bind us in the psychological tomb of defeat. Peter recovered and so can we. He readjusted his eye focus. Once rid of his self-assertiveness and self-sufficiency, and acknowledging his need, his danger, his weakness and his folly, he looked at Jesus and cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus saw him and immediately lifted him up. It was not Peter's faith, but his faith in Christ Jesus that saved him. When he called, Jesus responded.

Our Lord told us to ask and we will receive and to knock and the door would be opened for us. Because the winds of temptations are so strong, we must ask God for the victory that only He can give. We call upon Him to help us to keep our vision clearly on our Savior and our hearts attuned to His holy word.

By faith we live in Him and enjoy His true victory.

Scriptural Reference: Matthew 14:30.

Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, veteran social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach which can be reviewed on her site. Her new book, Out of Deep Waters: My Grief Management Workbook, is expected to be available soon.

You are welcome to visit AMEN Ministries: Your Soul's Service Station for spiritual refreshing, soul edification, browse our newly expanded mini shopping mall or review our recommended books you may want to add to your personal library.

Blessings to all!

---

Karma: Is It Good or is It Bad? You Decide!

We hear this word so often and have one thing... Read More

Serenity

Listen to the sound of silence. Enjoy the peace and... Read More

The Power of Gods Love Can Change Your Life

Do you want victory in your life? Do you have... Read More

Be Still

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God;I... Read More

Are Your Children Growing Up Too Fast?

Each time our children graduate from one stage to another... Read More

African American Hiking for Spiritual Health

Hiking is gaining popularity within the African-American community. We're beginning... Read More

Spiritual Inspiration Music and The New Age

Spiritual Inspiration Music is about Love, Growth, Spiritual and Personal... Read More

Resting in the Son

"Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my... Read More

Wealth Catchers: Discover Wealth and Prosperity with the Angels of Abundance

Did you ever know somebody who easily accumulates wealth? If... Read More

Do You Need An Answer About Life?

I was originally brought up Catholic, at the insistence of... Read More

How Its Always Now

How do we feel the fullness of life itself?We have... Read More

A Crash Course in Tarot for Newbies #2: All About Tarot Decks

If you would like to learn to read tarot cards,... Read More

Crystal-Healing the Chakras: A Practical Guide

Who among us really understands the chakras? For all that... Read More

The Psychical Research Foundation

Karen was the name of the reception person, who sat... Read More

Protector

Some may ask why in a disaster some people are... Read More

Making the Impossible Possible

"I learned I was not, as most Africans believed, the... Read More

How Much Do You Love Me?

Love...it's a deep emotion. Sometimes we say it in jest... Read More

Surrounded By His Glory

As communion was being passed this morning, I listened to... Read More

Its Not What You Know, Its What You Do

Knowing what is right and what is wrong in your... Read More

Spiritual Intelligence: How It Benefits A Person

In one forum, one participant posted this query:I think quite... Read More

A People in Exile (Part 2)

Mother Nature has this uncanny tendency to turn upon herself... Read More

New Century; Same Old Story

In His graciousness, God has blessed us to enter a... Read More

Interesting? (but unnecessary)

At any given moment, there are 'things' occurring within the... Read More

The Big Choice

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.... Read More

The Power of Love

"There must be a higher love/Without it life is wasted... Read More

Are You Following Your Knows Or Your I Dont Knows?

We have all heard the phrase, "follow your nose". This... Read More

The Science of Enlightenment

I would like to share my experience, working with the... Read More

Spiritual Surrender: Living a Peace Filled Life

Are you at a crossroad in your life where you... Read More

The Spiritually Dead Church

The spiritually dead church. Now, I am not talking about... Read More

God?s Presence When Troubles Come

Life, no matter how we choose to look at it,... Read More

Questioning - Is It A Natural Process?

One of the first issues people on the spiritual path... Read More

We Fall Down -- But We Get Up

When I first heard Donnie McClurkin's song, "We Fall Down... Read More

Power of Prayer - The Most Valuable Dialogue of Your Life

It's the most powerful weapon on Earth. It can turn... Read More