Look to Jesus - consider Him! He is not just our example, but our redemption. He is the foundation of our faith. He is the perfect model for faith from start to finish. He trusted His Father from beginning to end in His earthly race. And He is the Giver and Sustainer of our faith from start to finish.
Can you imagine what faith it must have taken for Peter to take that first step? (Matthew 14:28-32) The swirling winds whipping at your clothes; the tumultuous sea churning around you. And you can just imagine the disciples’ reaction, “Peter, get back in the boat! What are you doing?! It’s dangerous out there! Don’t be foolish! Get back here!” There will always be naysayers who try to hold us back when God commands us to follow Him.
Perhaps you can think of some people who have tried to hold you back. People who have discouraged you from doing what you knew was right; what you knew God wanted or where you believed God was calling you. Peter didn’t get back in the boat. Peter walked on the water. How? He kept his eyes fixed firmly on Jesus. As soon as he looked away he sank. But as long as Peter fixed his eyes on Jesus, he was able to walk on water.
And so we are encouraged, commanded, and implored to fix our eyes upon Jesus. Look to Him lest we grow weary and lose heart. Keep Him always in your sight. Focus on His power and His majesty. Focus on His glory and His holiness. Fix your eyes upon Jesus, and thereby run with perseverance the race marked out just for you.
Written by Evangelist Bernice Harley