Eyes Fixed
- Henley Samuel
- Oct 30
- 4 min read
October 30, 2025
Today, let's explore what happens when we keep our focus on God rather than our circumstances. When life's storms rage around us, our natural instinct is to fixate on the waves but there's a better way. By shifting our gaze to Jesus, we discover an unshakable foundation that transforms how we navigate challenges.
Walking Above the Waves
In Matthew's gospel, we find the remarkable account of Peter walking on water, a powerful illustration of faith in action.
Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him saying to him, "Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. - Matthew 14:31-32
Peter's experience teaches us something profound. Initially, he walked confidently on the water toward Jesus. But when he noticed the wind and waves, doubt crept in and he began to sink. What changed? Not the circumstances, the wind and waves remained but his focus shifted from Jesus to the storm.
When Peter reconnected with Jesus, understanding His presence was with him, he could walk freely on water again. This simple shift in perspective from problem to presence, changed everything.
Fix your eyes upon Jesus, then you can walk on the water.
The same principle applies in our lives. When we fix our gaze on Jesus rather than our circumstances, we gain the ability to rise above situations that would otherwise overwhelm us.
The Battle Belongs to God
In times of uncertainty, we often feel compelled to fight our battles alone. Yet Scripture reminds us of a liberating truth found in 2 Chronicles:
For we are powerless against the great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. - 2 Chronicles 20:12
The people of Judah faced an overwhelming enemy force. Their response wasn't panic or self-reliance but a collective turning to God. They gathered together, men, women, and children and fixed their eyes on the Lord. In response, God's Spirit spoke through Jahaziel:
Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's. - 2 Chronicles 20:15
This declaration remains true for us today. Whatever challenge you're facing health concerns, relationship difficulties, financial pressures you don't have to face it alone. The battle belongs to God.
Shifting Your Perspective
Knowing God is with us fundamentally changes how we view problems. Like Peter, we can walk through storms when we understand Jesus is present in our situation.
Knowing the presence of God changes the way you look at problems.
When we recognize God is with us, problems don't necessarily disappear, but our capacity to navigate them transforms. The wind and waves may still rage, but we gain the ability to walk through them with confidence.
This isn't about denying reality but viewing it through the lens of God's presence and promises. It's about declaring, "I know you're with me, Lord. I know you have plans to prosper me. I know you have good plans."
Standing in Covenant
David understood something profound when he faced Goliath. While others saw an insurmountable enemy, David saw an opportunity to demonstrate God's covenant faithfulness.
You have a covenant with God, so you don't need to worry or fear.
Like David, we can approach our challenges declaring: "I come in the name of the Lord. I come in the blood of Jesus. I come in the finished work of Christ. I come as a child of God."
This covenant relationship means we never stand alone. We have a connection with God through Jesus that nothing can sever. This truth should transform how we approach every challenge.
Conclusion
When life's storms rage, remember to fix your eyes on Jesus rather than the waves. The battle isn't yours to fight alone, it belongs to God. Your part is to maintain focus on Him, trusting in His presence and promises.
As you face challenges today, shift your perspective from the problem to God's presence. Remember your covenant relationship with Him. And walk forward with the confidence that comes from knowing the God of the universe is with you and for you.
Reflect on This
Where in your life do you need to shift your focus from the problem to God's presence?
How might remembering that "the battle belongs to God" change your approach to current challenges?
Prayer
Father, I declare that my eyes are fixed on You, not on my circumstances. Thank you that I don't face my battles alone, they belong to You. I stand in covenant with You through the blood of Jesus. I walk in confidence today, knowing Your presence goes with me through every challenge. I am Your child, crowned with Your love and mercy, filled with Your strength. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Key Takeaways
When we fix our eyes on Jesus rather than our circumstances, we can walk above life's challenges.
The battle belongs to God, we don't have to fight our challenges alone.
Knowing God is with us transforms how we view and respond to problems.
Our covenant relationship with God gives us confidence to face any situation.
Fear and worry lose their power when we focus on God's presence rather than our problems.
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To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.
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