Fix Your Eyes

Matthew 14:22–32 NIV84

22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

Today, we celebrate the Triumphal Entry. Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. Those present placed tree branches and their cloaks on His path—they rolled out the red carpet for Him. Those present shouted, Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the Highest.” This was the beginning of the Passion. Not many days later, people forgot their shouts. They took their eyes off of Jesus and placed them on fear, the trials, the storm, the doubt. Many continue to go to church and shout His name only to leave church buildings and place their eyes on trials, worry, storms, and the mundane. Many take their eyes off of Jesus. The disciples were in the middle of the lake/sea and the wind (storm) was tossing their boat. Jesus was walking on water. The disciples were afraid. They did not recognize Jesus. Peter was courageous enough to ask Jesus to call him over. Peter got out of the boat and walked on water. Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and started to go under the storm. You can still walk over your trials but you must keep your eyes on Jesus.

1. Fix your eyes on Jesus to walk over your trials

Trials will bring out the best or worst in you

Trials will bring fear or faith out of you

We must learn to fix our eyes on Jesus

Hebrews 12:2–3 NIV84

2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Don’t let fear of the unknown bring doubt of His Promise

Your eyes must remain on Jesus

We need an eye check up

We need our eyes fixed

Our eyes must be fixed on Jesus

Jesus is the author of our Faith

When you have a faith problem—go to the author, He will clarify

2. Fix your eyes on Jesus to experience miracles

You can walk on water as long as your eyes are on Jesus

Miracles take place after we’ve been in a bad situation

A healing miracle comes to those who are sick and have their eyes fixed on Jesus

A financial miracle comes to those who are in need and have their eyes fixed on Jesus

A family miracle comes to those who are in a storm and have their eyes fixed on Jesus

A victory miracle comes to those who are in a fight and have their eyes fixed on Jesus

When you take your eyes off of Jesus and place them on the situation, you will sink

Don’t sink, fix your eyes

Fix your eyes on Jesus

Jesus endured the cross for your victory

Jesus endured the cross, you can endure your trial

Fix your eyes

3. Fix your eyes on Jesus to be strong

You are called to be a finisher

Those that endure to the end will be saved

Starting is not enough

You have to be strong enough to finish

Jesus endured the cross

Jesus said, “It is Finished”

The task was complete

Jesus finished what He came to earth to do—die for a sinful people

Jesus had many haters but He was strong to overcome

When you fix your eyes on Jesus, you will have supernatural strength to finish

Fix your eyes on Jesus

4. Fix your eyes on Jesus to be courageous

Peter did not think of where he was when he asked Jesus to call him over

Peter did not care that he was in the middle of the lake

Peter did not care that the wind was strong

Peter had the courage to get out of the boat

As long as our eyes are on Jesus, we can be courageous

Big brother courage

Remember the Spike and son dogs on Tom and Jerry, the little dog was brave because he knew his dad was backing him up

When you fix your eyes on Jesus, you can be courageous because Jesus has got your back

When Peter started to sink, Jesus caught him

If you walk out in faith, Jesus will protect you

Fix your eyes

5. Fix your eyes on Jesus to grow in faith

Jesus helped Peter when he was sinking

Jesus will help you when the trials of link start to overwhelm you

You have to have trials in order for your faith to grow

No pain no gain

The author of Hebrews gives us the Hall of Faith saints

By Faith Noah built an ark

By Faith Abraham followed God

By Faith David defeated Goliath

By Faith the lion’s mouth was shut

Fix your eyes on Jesus and your faith will grow

Faith to overcome trials—fix your eyes

Faith to move mountains—fix your eyes

Faith for your healing—fix you eyes

Faith for your breakthrough—fix your eyes

Faith for your provision—fix your eyes

Faith for your family—fix your eyes

Faith for your miracle—fix your eyes