Successful Christian
Have you ever been on a roller coaster? As your car was cresting the highest point, no doubt your first thought was “don’t look down now!” The disciple Peter got into trouble in a similar situation. Matthew chapter 14 reveals that Peter was more than willing to climb out of the boat in the midst of a storm and walk to Jesus on the water. His faith was strong as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. The problem came when he looked down. With his eyes off of the Master, all he could see was the angry storm. With his eyes focused on the wrong things, he began to sink into the sea.
All of us will have angry seas to test our faith. Here are 5 points that will help you stay afloat:
LOOK BACK
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.” Psalms 103:2
Don’t forget in the storm all of the good things that God has done for you in the past. Keep meticulous records of the blessings of God in your life. Our memories will betray us under pressure. Write your testimonies down each day before you need to lean on them.
LOOK FORWARD
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” Hebrews 12:2
There is always an end to the storm whether it be in this life or the next. Never make permanent decisions based on temporary circumstances. Those who succeed in their Christian walk don’t focus only on the here and now. They allow themselves to look to what’s ahead.
LOOK UP
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1-2
Prayer is the lifeline of every believer. It is as important as breathing. Just as you would start to quickly feel faint and would pass out if you could not get a breath, so is everyone who walks with God. He never intended for you to be able to endure the storms without Him. If you cease to “look up” through prayer, you will soon grow weary and faint in the process.
LOOK IN
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” Psalms 139:23
There comes a point in time where we must not over-inspect ourselves. We can become paranoid that somehow God is angry at us over something we’ve done and is now punishing us for our actions. Only a growing knowledge of the true love of God can overcome such thoughts, but at various points throughout a trial we should take time to look inward and inspect ourselves. After all, Jonah’s storm was indeed a result of his disobedience to God. If, however, after you have inspected your heart and asked God to do the same, you find nothing out of order, move on with trust and confidence in the Lord. Looking inward can actually put to rest the nagging doubts we have in ourselves.
LOOK OUT
God never entrusts one of His own with a storm that doesn’t eventually lead to great blessing. Look out! The blessing God has in store is more than likely greater than you have believed possible! We are surrounded by millions who have trusted God before us and have the same story of God’s enduring goodness to share!
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1
By Pastor Phil Lemke
