Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
(John 16:33 (NIV))

Faith!

Faith that everything will work out. Faith that God will not leave you out in the cold. Faith that your faith will be rewarded.

Do you ever feel that you just can't get ahead? Do you ever feel that all of the world's troubles have come down squarely on your shoulders? Do you ever feel that if you have a good day, then something bad is bound to happen.

These are all attacks from the enemy.

I have often heard it said that Satan does not send troubles to those that he already has. He attacks those people that he knows are trying to do what Jesus is calling them to do. He does everything in his power to get people to sin.

Stand firm and take heart, for Jesus truly has overcome the world. When the attacks come, and come they will, keep your eyes focused on Jesus.

"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said.
     Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
(Matthew 14:28-31 (NIV))

How did Peter see the wind?

I honestly believe that Peter took his eyes off of Jesus. Jesus was no longer the focus and, as a result, Peter saw all of the attacks that were going on around him. He became afraid. He became overwhelmed. He began to panic.

It is so easy to panic in the physical. Imagine pay cuts to the point that it truly hurts. Imagine your savings gone. Imagine your income not being able to cover your expenses. Imagine unexpected things happening that push you to the breaking point.

Do you take your eyes off of Jesus and focus on your surroundings or do you keep your eyes on Jesus and rely on faith to see you through? When these things happen, I want you to remember Peter. He had the faith to step out of the boat, but then he lost his focus and began to sink.

What is your focus?

Copyright 1998 - 2026 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
https://www.dailylivingministries.org
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