Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus Through Life’s Storms

In Matthew 14, Peter steps out of the boat and walks on water toward Jesus—a moment that stands as one of the most remarkable acts of faith in all of Scripture. Yet, as the wind howls and the waves rise, Peter’s focus shifts from Jesus to the storm around him. In that instant, he begins to sink. This story is not just about Peter’s failure, but about the courage it took to step out in faith, and the grace that met him when he faltered.

Focus is essential in our walk with God. The world is full of distractions—career, family, finances, health, and the relentless noise of our times. These things clamor for our attention, just as the wind and waves did for Peter. It is not accidental or coincidental to keep our eyes on Jesus; it is intentional, purposeful, and requires determination. When we lose focus, we are vulnerable to fear and doubt, but when our gaze is fixed on Christ, we are empowered to do what seems impossible.

Peter’s story also teaches us about the immediacy of God’s help. As soon as Peter began to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” and immediately, Jesus reached out his hand. Peter didn’t wait until he was submerged; he called out at the first sign of trouble. This is a lesson for us: don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed or at the bottom to cry out to God. Even a simple, desperate prayer from the heart is enough to move the hand of Jesus.

We must also remember that God’s care for us is unwavering, even when circumstances tempt us to doubt. The storms of life—whether they are cultural, personal, or spiritual—do not negate God’s love or his ability to rescue. Like Peter, we may get distracted or overwhelmed, but Jesus is always near, ready to lift us up when we call on him. Our part is to keep our focus, cry out quickly when we falter, and trust in his care.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Intentional focus on Jesus is essential Keeping our eyes on Jesus is not something that happens by accident. The world is full of distractions that can easily pull our attention away from him. It takes a deliberate, daily choice to fix our gaze on Christ, especially when the storms of life are raging. This kind of focus empowers us to walk in faith and do what would otherwise be impossible. [05:03]
• 2. Cry out at the first sign of sinking Peter didn’t wait until he was underwater to call for help; he cried out as soon as he began to sink. In our own lives, we should not wait until we are overwhelmed or at rock bottom before reaching out to God. A quick, sincere cry for help is often all it takes to experience God’s immediate rescue. [12:45]
• 3. God’s response is immediate and full of grace When Peter cried out, Jesus immediately stretched out his hand to save him. God does not delay or withhold his help to teach us a lesson or punish us for our doubt. His grace is swift and sure, meeting us right where we are, even if we have faltered or lost focus. [18:26]
• 4. God’s care is unwavering, even in the storm It’s easy to question God’s love when we’re surrounded by trouble, but his care for us is constant. The storms and challenges of life do not diminish his compassion or his willingness to help. Trusting in his care, even when we don’t understand our circumstances, is an act of faith that anchors us in hope. [35:58]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:33] - Introduction to Peter Walking on Water
• [01:13] - The Disciples’ Fear and Jesus’ Assurance
• [03:08] - The Importance of Focus
• [04:26] - Distractions in Modern Life
• [05:47] - The Challenge of Keeping Focus
• [07:02] - Peter’s Courage to Step Out
• [08:16] - The Supernatural Walk of Faith
• [10:10] - Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus
• [11:30] - The Significance of “Beginning to Sink”
• [12:45] - Crying Out to Jesus
• [15:18] - The Necessity of Spiritual Basics
• [17:11] - Pressing Toward the Mark
• [18:26] - Jesus’ Immediate Response
• [22:25] - God’s Care in the Midst of Storms
• [25:00] - Lessons on Focus and Distraction
• [26:54] - Standing Firm Amid Persecution
• [28:15] - Praying in the Midst of Trouble
• [30:13] - Personal Story: The Sinking Boat
• [31:29] - Our Need for God’s Help
• [34:02] - God’s Outstretched Hand
• [35:58] - Trusting God’s Care
• [37:23] - Closing Prayer and Commitment

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Walking on Water – Focus, Faith, and God’s Care

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### Bible Reading

Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV)
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.
23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.
26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”
31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)
…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

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### Observation Questions

1. What did Peter do that none of the other disciples did during the storm? ([07:02])
2. According to the passage, what caused Peter to begin sinking after he stepped out on the water? ([03:50])
3. How did Jesus respond when Peter cried out for help? Was there any delay? ([18:26])
4. What does 1 Peter 5:7 say we should do with our cares and why? ([35:58])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Peter was able to walk on water at first, but then started to sink? What does this say about the importance of focus in our faith? ([05:03])
2. The sermon points out that Peter cried out as soon as he began to sink, not after he was underwater. What does this teach us about how and when we should reach out to God in our own struggles? ([12:45])
3. The preacher said that Jesus’ response to Peter was immediate and full of grace, not delayed or punishing. What does this reveal about God’s character and how he responds to our moments of doubt or fear? ([18:26])
4. The storms and distractions in Peter’s story are compared to the distractions and troubles we face today. How might these “winds and waves” look in our own lives? ([04:26])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says that keeping our eyes on Jesus is intentional and not accidental. What is one specific distraction in your life right now that makes it hard to focus on Jesus? What practical step could you take this week to shift your focus back to Him? ([05:03])
2. Peter didn’t wait until he was overwhelmed before crying out for help. Is there an area in your life where you tend to wait too long before asking God for help? What would it look like to “cry out” sooner? ([12:45])
3. The preacher shared a personal story about a sinking boat and the need to act quickly. Can you think of a recent situation where you ignored warning signs or tried to handle things on your own instead of turning to God? What would you do differently next time? ([30:13])
4. Jesus’ response to Peter was immediate and full of grace. Do you ever hesitate to ask God for help because you think He might be disappointed or slow to respond? How does this story challenge that belief? ([18:26])
5. The sermon reminds us that God’s care is unwavering, even when we feel overwhelmed or question His love. When have you doubted God’s care for you? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness in those moments? ([35:58])
6. The preacher said that Peter’s courage to step out of the boat was remarkable, even though he failed. Is there something you feel God is calling you to do that feels risky or scary? What would it look like to take a step of faith this week? ([07:02])
7. 1 Peter 5:7 says to cast all our cares on God because He cares for us. What is one care or anxiety you need to give to God right now? How can the group support you in this? ([35:58])