Focused Faith
- Henley Samuel
- Oct 25
- 5 min read
October 25, 2025
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life's challenges? Today, I want to share with you a powerful truth about walking above your problems rather than being consumed by them.
Walking on Water
In Matthew 14, where Peter steps out of the boat and walks on water toward Jesus:
"Lord, if it is you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" - Matthew 14:28-30
This remarkable story shows us that God has called us to walk on water and walk through fire. You won't be drowned by the water or consumed by the fire. Instead, you're called to walk above these challenges, and every step you take is based on your faith in God.
The Key to Walking Above Problems
What's the key to walking on water? What's the key to overcoming your challenges? It's simple yet profound:
"Do not be afraid. Take courage. God is with you."
Knowing God is with you gives you the courage to face any situation. But there's another crucial element that determines whether you sink or walk above your problems: your focus.
Where Is Your Focus?
Notice what happened with Peter:
"But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, he cried out, 'Lord, save me!'" - Matthew 14:30
When Peter started walking on water, his focus was upon Jesus. His aim was to walk toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind and the waves, he got distracted and began to sink.
Think about it: if you're driving to Sydney, your focus should be on your destination. There may be many exits along the way, but you don't take those exits because they don't lead to Sydney. Similarly, your focus should be on Jesus, not on the distractions around you.
Looking to Jesus
This principle is beautifully expressed in Hebrews 12:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:1-2
When you're running a race, the crowd might cheer for you or boo you. If you get distracted and turn toward the crowd, you'll lose the race. Instead, you must run with endurance, looking to Jesus.
Attention and Expectation
I want you to remember two words today: attention and expectation. Where are these directed in your life?
The Passion Translation puts it this way:
"We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus." - Hebrew 12:2
When you look at the natural realm, when you look at the winds and waves of life, distractions and fears arise. But when you focus your attention and expectations on Jesus, you can walk above your problems.
Even Jesus modeled this principle. While on the cross, His focus wasn't on the pain but on the joy ahead:
"Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his." - Hebrew 12:2
What made Jesus overcome the pain, agony, and shame of the cross? It was you. It was me. He was looking at the joy of knowing that one day we would be His. And in the same way, how can you overcome your pain, anxiety, and challenges? By having your heart focused on the finished work of Jesus.
Rejecting the World's System
The world has its own system that tells you what to expect: "This is flu season, everyone needs to get sick." "This is winter, everyone needs to get weak." "Your finances are lost." "Your promotion is lost."
But you can rebuke and reject these statements. You can say, "No, my focus is upon Jesus. The Word of God says all my children are taught by the Lord. Whatever I touch will prosper. By His stripes, I am healed."
Whose system will you trust? God's system or the world's system?
God's Plans for You
Remember what God says in Jeremiah
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11
Notice it says "plans" (plural), not just a single plan. God has multiple plans to prosper you, plans for your family, plans for your children. Let your expectation and attention be upon Jesus, knowing He has good plans for you.
Conclusion
Today, I encourage you to examine where your attention and expectation are focused. In every situation you face, ask yourself: "Where is my focus? Is it on the problem or on Jesus?"
Remember, when Peter looked at the wind, he began to sink. Don't look at the natural realm; look at the supernatural realm. See what Jesus has completed on the cross. Look at the promises God has given about your children, your work, your family, and your future.
The enemy is already defeated. You are fighting a battle that was already won. Rejoice in this truth and keep your focus on Jesus.
Reflect on This
In what areas of your life do you need to shift your focus from the problem to Jesus?
What promises from God's Word can you stand on today instead of believing what the world says about your situation?
Prayer
Father, today I choose to fix my attention and expectation on Jesus. When the winds of adversity blow, help me keep my eyes on You rather than my circumstances. Thank You for Your presence in every challenge I face. I declare that Your plans for me are good, and I trust in Your promises rather than what the world says. I am walking above my problems because my focus is on You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Key Takeaways
Your ability to overcome challenges depends on where you place your focus
Looking at circumstances leads to fear and sinking; looking at Jesus enables you to walk on water
Both your attention and expectation should be directed toward Jesus
God is with you in every trial and challenge you face
God has multiple plans to prosper you, not just a single plan
Choose God's system of promises over the world's system of limitations
All content on this blog is the property of Henley Samuel Ministries. For permissions or inquiries regarding the use of any material, please contact us at contact@henleysamuel.org.
To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.
Comments