NO DISTRACTIONS
Dearly beloved, I bring you greetings in the name that is above every name, Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God and our soon coming King. I am so excited to come your way once again. October cometh! We have just about a week till our annual October fast themed BIAZO – By Force and I believe with all my heart that this is our moment to take all that belongs to us. We are not going to allow anything slip by us, we are not going to allow anyone take what belongs to us, we are possessing our possessions by force because grace has already made it available. Today I want to encourage you as you prepare towards our fast (Biazo) to refuse to be distracted, regardless of the form or appearance of the distractions.
“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” Matthew 14:39 (KJV)
Our text this morning, is a very familiar scripture. Peter found himself doing the impossible; he was walking on water, after the Master called him. The key to this great accomplishment, was the instruction he received from the Lord, and his quick obedience to that instruction. Look at the preceding verses;
“v28 – And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
v29 – And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.”
One might be quick to think and assume that since Jesus had said to Peter “come”, then, that was all that he needed to succeed, and I agree with you; After all, Jesus’ word to Peter was not a mere command, but a command backed by the full creative power of God, with no margin for failure. In fact, as far as Jesus was concerned, Peter walking on the water, was already a concluded issue the very moment He spoke the Word. So, why then did Peter find himself sinking?
He took his eyes off Jesus, and started to pay attention to the boisterous winds, and unstable waters beneath him. Question, was the wind there when he got off the boat? The wind was there, but as long as he maintained focus, as long as he fixed his gaze on Jesus, the wind was immaterial. I have said this before and it bears repetition, when you look down, you will see discouragement and disappointment; when you look back, you will see regrets and mistakes; when you look around, you will see distractions, but when you look up, you see victory, triumph, hope. God wants us topossess our possessions and victory is already assured, but in order to Biazo we must keep our eyes on Jesus.
All Peter had to do was to maintain focus on the One who began the journey, and his victory was guaranteed, but then he allowed the distractions.
If there is one thing which is very crucial during this fast, it is that you keep your eyes solely on Jesus, and avoid distractions. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; …”
Isaiah 50:7 says, “For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.” You cannot trust in God wholeheartedly and fail; you cannot look unto Jesus and see shame. As the song writer sings: “I cannot call on Your Name and end up in shame, no way! I cannot bow before You and bow before men, no way!”
I declare to you that God will do you good. You will have a fruitful fast. You will not be disappointed. God will favour you. Everything is working together for your good. There is no shortage with God, therefore there shall be no shortage in your life. This is your time, this is your season and you shall surely testify. I will hear your testimony!
I bless you in Jesus’ name.
Maranatha!
In His Royal Service
Dr Mike Okonkwo
The Presiding Bishop
