Eyes Fixed on Jesus
In times of crisis, we must pursue Christ with greater diligence and keep our eyes fixed on Him for peace and guidance.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, especially during life's storms. He recounts the story of Peter walking on water, illustrating how faith can lift us above our troubles, but also how distractions can lead to doubt and sinking. The disciples were terrified in the storm, yet Peter's boldness to step out in faith brought him closer to Jesus. Wilkerson encourages believers to seek Christ in their crises, reminding them that the more intense the struggle, the more they should pursue a relationship with Him. Ultimately, he calls for a prayerful desire to be drawn closer to the Lord amidst life's challenges.
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"Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary" (Matthew 14:24).
Following the miracle of feeding the five thousand, Jesus sent the people away and instructed the disciples to go away, also. It had been an exhausting day and the Master sought a little rest. But the disciples' boat got caught in a storm, and although they were seasoned sailors, the fierceness of the storm caused some alarm. They may have found some comfort in the fact that Jesus was nearby, but they did not expect what happened next.
"Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, 'It is a ghost!'" (Matthew 14:25-26). Actually, the disciples were terrified, but Peter took a bold step of faith and left the boat. One glimpse of his Savior was enough for him! "[Peter] said, 'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water'" (14:28). So, keeping his eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, Peter took that step out of the boat. He was not showing off his faith or trying to belittle anyone, he simply wanted to be nearer his Lord.
While it is true that Peter sank when he took his eyes off the Lord, he discovered a place in Christ above the stormy, raging sea. He was walking over what threatened him to get to Jesus. The faith that kept him above it all for a while could have kept him indefinitely. But he took his eyes off Christ and permitted the turmoil around him to cast down his confidence.
The story of Peter reminds us that the worse the crisis, the more diligently a Christian needs to pursue Christ. May you look into his face in the midst of your crisis and pray, "Draw me closer to you, Lord. Let everything in my life drive me to you!"
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
- The Need to Pursue Christ in Crisis
- The Power of Faith in Christ
- Walking on the Water of Adversity
- Discovering a Place of Peace Above the Storm
- The Consequences of Taking Our Eyes Off Christ
Key Quotes
“May you look into his face in the midst of your crisis and pray, 'Draw me closer to you, Lord. Let everything in my life drive me to you!'” — David Wilkerson
“He was not showing off his faith or trying to belittle anyone, he simply wanted to be nearer his Lord.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- In times of crisis, pray for the Lord to draw you closer to Him and use the situation as an opportunity to deepen your faith.
- Keep your eyes fixed on Christ and focus on Him, even when the storm around you seems overwhelming.
- Use your crises as a chance to discover a place of peace above the storm by walking on the water of adversity with faith in Christ.