The past few months have been a difficult time for me in ministry, and though things seem to be settling done, I know that the next few months will still be challenging. Have you ever faced a challenging time in ministry? I’m sure you have at some point. When we face challenges, we need to make sure that we keep our focus on Jesus.
In Matthew 14:22-33, we see that the disciples had been busy serving as Jesus taught and fed the 5,000. Afterward, Jesus sent them out alone while He went to pray. The wind on the lake arose and during this time Jesus came walking on the water to them. In the midst of the storm, they lost focus of Jesus. The classic example is when Peter got out of the boat to walk on the water, but instead of focusing on Jesus, he focused on the storm around him and began to sink. It was Jesus who reached out to Peter to raise him back up.
When we face challenging times, we need to keep our focus on Jesus. We can’t get caught up in things that can distract us, but instead, we need to turn them over to Jesus and focus on the path He has for us. When the disciples welcomed Jesus into the boat, the winds subsided and when we welcome Jesus, He helps us get through the storms we face.
Never forget that there is spiritual warfare all around us. Let Jesus fight the battles for you, and focus on Him.
This is the time of year that leaders get tired, the year seems long and they get distracted. Encourage them and remind them why we do what we do, to serve Jesus and reach children for him.
Keep focused on Him.
Bill,
You are spot on brother. There is no doubt it is easy to get caught up in the earthly things when we should be focused on the heavenly. I have fallen into that trap many times! I’m so thankful that God lovingly reminds me that he has it all under control and doesn’t need my help. My role is to stay in Christ and be who he wants me to be. From that place good things happen in and through my life.
The old hymn reminds us “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace!”