Focus on the finish line

Focus on the finish line

"Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”  And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.   But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:28-29 

The following incident was reported on Sunday's Fox News:  

It's always temping to celebrate a win as the final seconds wind down, but things are never over until they're over.

Spanish cyclist Eloy Teruel learned that lesson the hard way as he led the field to the finish line with one lap to go in the seventh stage of the Tour of California on Saturday. The only issue was that Teruel thought he was on the final lap and that he had just won. Teruel let up on his pace and raised his arms above his head triumphantly.

The announcers and fans tried to signal to Teruel that there was still one lap left, but he didn't notice until he turned around and the rest of the field was rapidly gaining on him.

In an instant, this bicyclist went from 1st place to 56th place.  Somewhere in the midst of the race, Eloy lost sight of the finish line and let his emotions get the best of him.  Whether he became prideful or just forgetful is not for us to judge.   One thing is clear though, he lost his focus.  In other words, he took his eyes off the prize.  Things can get really bad really fast when we take our eyes off Jesus.

In Matthew chapter 14 the story is told of Jesus, after feeding the five thousand, telling the disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of Him while He dismissed the crowd.  Jesus spent the night alone praying and, right before dawn, walked out on the water to the disciples.  The disciples were frightened until Jesus said, "Take courage!  It is I.  Don't be afraid."  At that phrase, Peter looked at Jesus and asked to meet Him on the water.  "But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink.".  For a brief moment, Peter took his eyes off Jesus and immediately began to go down.   Life is a serious race that can't be won unless we keep our eyes constantly on our Lord.    Hebrews 12:2 as translated in The Message says, " Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed - that exhilarating finish in and with God - he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God."

The key to winning?  Staying focused and trusting Jesus.  And, when you feel yourself sinking as Peter did, follow His example and let Jesus pull you up.  "But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him..."Matthew 14:30-31.  Amen!  What hope that gives us!!

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us enough to come to our rescue when we are drowning. Not because of anything we have done or could ever do, but because of who You are.  We love you with everything we have and we give it all to You.  May our lives bring You glory each and every day.  In your precious name we pray Jesus.  Amen.  

Happy Running!!!