Young Writers Society

Introduction Have you ever felt like you were trapped at sea without a life jacket? Have you ever felt stressed to the point of no return? I will admit that I have felt this way before and it is a serious matter. In times like these I apply scripture to my life. Matthew 14: 29-30 (ASV) says 29 And he said “Come”. And Peter went down from the boat and walked upon the waters to come to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out saying*, Lord, save me!”*

Thesis Today I will be explaining how to apply this scripture in your life. In this particular scripture, we see Jesus telling Peter to walk to him on water. The moments to come after that seemed heightened to Peter. In Peters mind he was probably thinking, how can I walk? How deep is this water? Are there sharks in the water? Why is Jesus so far away? Can I make it to Jesus? Due to the confusion and doubt in Peters mind, it caused him to sink. In this writing I will be advising you on how to keep your mind on God, how to maintain focus and keeping your faith that everything will be alright.

Body l Keep your mind on God (Being immovable)

The bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV) to be immovable and steadfast. In other words, look to God and keep your eyes there. Peter had one job, to walk on water to Jesus. He did not meet this potential. You could even say that he was the opposite of immovable. Because his mind was the opposite of immovable, he broke his focus and allowed the enemy to harass him mentally. In times such as these, I encourage you to know that it is not in vain to hold your temper and bind spirits of doubt, fear, hopelessness and despair. This can include anger, sadness, anxiety and rage. Sometimes this means taking the higher road in situations because of who we serve and the knowledge that we possess. This also means holding your tongue and not arguing with senseless people. By doing these things, you can maintain focus and assist yourself in not making the same mistake that Peter made when he was not steadfast on God and the things thereof.

Body II Maintain your focus (Do not be unstable in your faith)

In 1 Peter 4:12, God tested the faith of Peter. (1 Peter 4:12) 12 beloved, do not be amazed or bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange and alien to you and your position. Things are going to happen and test your faith in God. These events can easily displace someone who is unstable in God and themselves. Although Peter was a disciple, he still had some unstable ways. (James 1: 8 KJV) 8 A Double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Because of his instability he had a lack of faith and his mind wondered. He then started to sink. We would hope that Peter learned to keep a tunnel vision going forward. Keeping tunnel vision intact is something that is not always easy however, it is very possible. This current season in my life has caused me to keep my eyes and heart on God daily in order to progress. Having tunnel vision has aided me to keep out the distractions of my generation and form testimonies! During this time, I have made sure to keep praising God and to upkeep the faith that is in my heart.

Body lll (Faith that everything will be alright!)

Even though Peter did start to sink, Jesus held out his hand in Matthew (14: 31-32) 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand and took hold of him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thy doubt?” 32 And when they were gone up into the boat, the wind Ceased.” This scripture shows us that even if we feel lost or without direction, God is right there to give provision. Since you are never alone, make sure you hold on to the joy that God has gifted you until your storm has passed. Psalm 30: 5 (ASV) says 30 Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. By the time you look up, the ordeal that was taking place will have resolution.

Conclusion Upkeep the joy that God has gifted you until your storm has passed. This may be difficult because your highs seem high and your lows feel the lowest. It is in fact a ploy of the enemy to make you feel like you are barren. I encourage you to speak to that sunken place and affirm who you are! 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s specials possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness into is wonderful light.” With this understanding, I pose a question. The next time you have a tribulation, will you Keep your eyes on Jesus?