Staying Focused on Christ Amid Life's Storms
Summary
In our journey through life, we often encounter storms that threaten to distract and derail us from our purpose and focus on Christ. It is in these moments that we must remember our true home is not of this world, but in heaven with our Lord. As we navigate the tempests of life, we must not allow fear, distractions, or doubt to obscure our vision of Jesus, who is our guiding light and source of hope.
During our time together, we explored the importance of maintaining our focus on Christ, especially when faced with life's challenges. We delved into the story of Peter walking on water, as recounted in Matthew 14. Peter's experience teaches us that when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we can accomplish the seemingly impossible. However, when we shift our gaze to the storms around us—be it the winds of economic uncertainty or the waves of cultural opposition—we begin to sink.
We were reminded that, like Peter, we have the choice to step out of the boat, to take bold steps of faith, even when others around us may choose to remain in their comfort zones. It is not enough to simply have good thoughts; we must align our actions with the example of Christ. We must be willing to be different, to live lives that are contrary to the common culture, and to rise up and turn the world upside down for the Kingdom of God.
The sermon also highlighted the story of TK Leonard, an evangelist who, despite facing financial hardship, trusted God to provide for his church and Bible school. His faith was rewarded when a wealthy man, healed through prayer, offered support. This story serves as a powerful testament to the importance of authentic faith and bold prayer.
In conclusion, we must be vigilant in our focus on Christ, ensuring that our faith is not just for Sunday mornings but is evident in our lives every day. We must be authentic in our walk with God, praying boldly and living out our faith in a way that leaves no one behind.
Key Takeaways:
- Our focus on Christ is paramount, especially during life's storms. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can navigate any challenge with confidence and peace, knowing that He is our refuge and strength, always ready to extend His hand to save us. [01:01:20]
- Fear, distractions, and doubt have no place in the life of a believer. We must confront these obstacles with the truth of God's Word, remembering that Jesus Himself faced and overcame temptations by standing firm on Scripture. Our foundation must be equally strong. [52:18]
- Authentic faith requires boldness and action. Like the young Bible student who prayed fervently for healing, we too must be willing to step out in faith, even when it goes against cultural norms or personal fears. Our authenticity in Christ can lead to miraculous outcomes. [01:11:05]
- Distractions can come in many forms, but they all serve the same purpose: to take our eyes off Jesus. Whether it's personal struggles or the allure of worldly success, we must recognize these diversions for what they are and refocus on our Savior. [53:44]
- A Christ-focused life is a daily commitment. It's not limited to our time in church but extends to every moment of our lives. By living authentically and boldly for Jesus, we can impact those around us and ensure that we leave no one behind as we journey towards our heavenly home. [01:16:12]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 14:22-33 (Peter Walks on Water)
2. Galatians 6:9 ("Let us not become weary in doing good...")
3. Psalm 46:1 ("God is our refuge and strength...")
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Peter's initial reaction when he saw Jesus walking on the water, and what did he ask Jesus to do? ([48:57])
2. How did Jesus respond to Peter's doubt and fear when he began to sink? ([01:01:20])
3. What was the significance of the storm in the story of Peter walking on water? How did it affect the disciples' focus? ([34:48])
4. According to the sermon, what are the three main obstacles that can cause us to lose focus on Christ? ([44:36])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter was able to walk on water initially but then began to sink? What does this tell us about the nature of faith and doubt? ([49:37])
2. How does the story of Peter walking on water illustrate the importance of maintaining focus on Christ during life's storms? ([34:48])
3. In what ways did the story of TK Leonard demonstrate authentic faith and bold prayer? How does this story relate to the key takeaway about living out our faith daily? ([01:06:05])
4. How can Galatians 6:9 encourage believers to persist in doing good despite challenges and distractions? ([32:07])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent "storm" in your life. How did you handle it, and what could you have done differently to keep your focus on Christ? ([34:48])
2. Identify a specific fear, distraction, or doubt that has been hindering your walk with Christ. What steps can you take this week to confront and overcome it? ([44:36])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of bold and authentic faith. Can you think of a situation where you need to step out in faith, even if it goes against cultural norms or personal fears? ([01:11:05])
4. How can you incorporate the practice of bold prayer into your daily routine? Share a specific prayer request that you will commit to praying for boldly this week. ([01:06:05])
5. The story of Peter walking on water shows the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus. What practical steps can you take to minimize distractions and maintain your focus on Christ throughout the day? ([49:37])
6. How can you encourage and support others in your small group or community to step out of their comfort zones and live boldly for Christ? ([55:55])
7. Reflect on Galatians 6:9. What is one "good work" you feel called to persist in, even when it becomes challenging? How can you remind yourself of the promise that you will reap a harvest if you do not give up? ([32:07])
Devotional
Day 1: Eyes on Jesus Amidst the Storm
When life's tempests rage, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the chaos that surrounds us. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that the importance of maintaining our gaze on Christ becomes most evident. Like a lighthouse guiding ships through treacherous waters, Jesus stands as our beacon of hope and safety. By focusing on Him, we can navigate any challenge with confidence and peace. This unwavering focus is not just a passive act; it is an active choice to trust in His power and presence. When Peter walked on water, his success was directly linked to where he fixed his eyes. The moment he looked away, he began to sink. Similarly, when we face the winds of economic uncertainty or the waves of cultural opposition, our spiritual buoyancy depends on our continuous focus on Christ. He is our refuge and strength, always ready to extend His hand to save us [01:01:20].
"Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed." - Psalm 34:5
Reflection: What specific 'storm' in your life is currently drawing your focus away from Jesus, and how can you intentionally redirect your gaze back to Him today?
Day 2: Standing Firm Against Fear and Distraction
Fear, distractions, and doubt are formidable adversaries in the life of a believer. They seek to undermine our faith and divert our attention from the truth of God's Word. As followers of Christ, we are called to confront these obstacles not with timidity but with the authority of Scripture. Jesus Himself faced and overcame temptations by standing firm on the Word of God. Our foundation must be equally strong, rooted in the knowledge and application of biblical truths. When we encounter fear, we must remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-control. Distractions may come in various forms, but their intent is always the same: to take our eyes off Jesus. By recognizing these diversions and refocusing on our Savior, we can maintain a steadfast faith that is unshakable in the face of trials [52:18].
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." - 2 Timothy 1:7
Reflection: Identify a fear or distraction that is currently weakening your faith. How can you apply God's Word to confront and overcome it?
Day 3: Bold Faith in Action
Authentic faith is not passive; it demands boldness and action. It calls us to step out in faith, even when it goes against cultural norms or personal fears. The young Bible student who prayed fervently for healing exemplifies this kind of faith. It is a faith that is not content with mere thoughts or words but is demonstrated through deeds that reflect our trust in God. This authenticity in Christ can lead to miraculous outcomes, as we align our actions with the example of Christ. By being willing to be different and to live lives that are contrary to the common culture, we can rise up and turn the world upside down for the Kingdom of God. Our actions, fueled by faith, can have a profound impact on the world around us [01:11:05].
"By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." - John 15:8
Reflection: What is one bold step of faith you can take this week that goes beyond your comfort zone and demonstrates your trust in God?
Day 4: Recognizing and Overcoming Distractions
Distractions are a constant battle in our spiritual walk. They can come in the form of personal struggles, the allure of worldly success, or the subtle temptations of everyday life. These distractions are not benign; they are strategic attempts by the enemy to take our eyes off Jesus. Recognizing these diversions for what they are is the first step in overcoming them. Once identified, we can then make the conscious decision to refocus on our Savior, who provides the clarity and purpose we need to navigate life's complexities. By keeping our eyes fixed on Christ, we can avoid the pitfalls that distractions present and remain steadfast in our journey towards our heavenly home [53:44].
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." - Colossians 3:2
Reflection: What distraction is currently preventing you from fully focusing on Christ, and what practical steps can you take to eliminate or manage it?
Day 5: Living a Christ-Focused Life Daily
A Christ-focused life is not a once-a-week commitment but a daily pursuit. It extends beyond our time in church and permeates every aspect of our existence. Living authentically and boldly for Jesus means that our faith is evident in our actions, conversations, and decisions every day. By doing so, we can impact those around us, drawing them closer to the love and truth of Christ. Our daily walk with God should leave a lasting impression on the world, ensuring that we leave no one behind as we journey towards our eternal home. This commitment to a Christ-focused life is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the reality of God's Kingdom here on earth [01:16:12].
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17
Reflection: How can you demonstrate a Christ-focused life in your daily routine, and what is one change you can make today to better reflect this commitment?
Quotes
1) "Fear can make us look at things differently in the middle of the storm... for some of us fear causes us to focus on the past and wonder what we could have done that caused it." [46:41] (Download)
2) "If we're going to be successful, we have to have a storm plan in place before the crisis hits... to say if and when the storm in my life comes, I already know that I'm going to choose to Focus On Christ." [47:23] (Download)
3) "If the devil can't destroy us, he will do everything he can to distract us... the truth is that if the devil can't destroy us he will do everything he can to distract us." [50:18] (Download)
4) "Peter was the only one who had the audacity to say Jesus if it's you then let me walk over to you... but I also think it might have been a little bit of Celebration when Peter started." [55:15] (Download)
5) "Our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble... God will be our refuge, he'll be our strength, he's always there to help us in times of trouble." [01:03:19] (Download)
6) "We need to have an authentic walk with God that translates not just in Sunday mornings from 11:15 to 12:30 but it's there 24 hours a day, seven days a week." [01:12:32] (Download)
7) "We need to be authentic focused on Christ eight days a week, 25 hours a day... we need to be authentic focused on Christ eight days a week, 25 hours a day." [01:13:19] (Download)
8) "Jesus has come and he throws his leg over and he throws his other leg over and he's like I'm doing it and then he goes uh... questioning whether or not Jesus could actually sustain him in this storm." [01:02:00] (Download)
9) "Distractions came and Peter looked to the left and looked to the right instead of looking straight ahead at Jesus... anything that's distancing us from the true Source of Life that of Jesus then we're still going to end up sinking." [01:00:35] (Download)
10) "Jesus being all God all men he was the word and he knew how to respond when the enemy of our soul comes to get tries to distract us and tries to destroy us." [52:18] (Download)
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