June 30th, 2025
By: Alex Fortson
We’ve all been there—trying to pray, trying to read Scripture, trying to get things done… and boom, distraction. A text. A thought. A conversation. A storm in life. Suddenly, we’re off track and wondering how we got there.
This isn’t just a modern problem. It’s a human one. In Matthew 14, we see how even the disciples—those walking literally with Jesus—struggled to stay focused in the storm.
Through this blog I hope to prepare our hearts with this simple vital word: Focus.
When the Distractions Come
Let’s set the scene. In Matthew 14:22–33, the disciples are on a boat in the middle of a storm. Jesus isn’t with them at first—He had just withdrawn to pray alone after hearing that John the Baptist was killed. Jesus needed time with the Father. Even in heartbreak. Even in chaos. He guarded His focus.
1. Guard Your Focus
Before this moment, Jesus had just heard that John the Baptist was killed. What does He do? He withdraws to spend time with the Father.
Even in grief, even in busyness—Jesus made time to pray.
You can do good things and still miss God completely.
The enemy doesn’t always come to destroy you—sometimes he just distracts you. And distractions can cause us to miss what God is doing.
2. The Focus is the Kingdom
Jesus feeds 5,000 people with a boy’s small lunch. But look closely—the disciples handed out the food, but Jesus provided it.
The bread came from Jesus, not the disciples. Stay focused on the Source.
3. Your Time with God Will Show
After spending time alone in prayer, Jesus walks on water. That moment was the fruit of His private time with the Father.
And Peter? He steps out in faith—but the moment he shifts his focus to the storm, he starts to sink.
Your focus fuels your faith.
And your lack of focus will fuel your fear.
4. Never Lose the Wonder
After Jesus calms the storm, the disciples worship: “Truly You are the Son of God.” And when they land, crowds run to Jesus just to touch the edge of His garment—and they’re healed.
They weren’t numb to His presence. They were hungry.
Final Thought
This summer let’s not miss what God is doing because we were too distracted. Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus—the Author and Perfecter of our faith.
He’s calling you to step out of the boat.
We’ve all been there—trying to pray, trying to read Scripture, trying to get things done… and boom, distraction. A text. A thought. A conversation. A storm in life. Suddenly, we’re off track and wondering how we got there.
This isn’t just a modern problem. It’s a human one. In Matthew 14, we see how even the disciples—those walking literally with Jesus—struggled to stay focused in the storm.
Through this blog I hope to prepare our hearts with this simple vital word: Focus.
When the Distractions Come
Let’s set the scene. In Matthew 14:22–33, the disciples are on a boat in the middle of a storm. Jesus isn’t with them at first—He had just withdrawn to pray alone after hearing that John the Baptist was killed. Jesus needed time with the Father. Even in heartbreak. Even in chaos. He guarded His focus.
1. Guard Your Focus
Before this moment, Jesus had just heard that John the Baptist was killed. What does He do? He withdraws to spend time with the Father.
Even in grief, even in busyness—Jesus made time to pray.
You can do good things and still miss God completely.
The enemy doesn’t always come to destroy you—sometimes he just distracts you. And distractions can cause us to miss what God is doing.
2. The Focus is the Kingdom
Jesus feeds 5,000 people with a boy’s small lunch. But look closely—the disciples handed out the food, but Jesus provided it.
The bread came from Jesus, not the disciples. Stay focused on the Source.
3. Your Time with God Will Show
After spending time alone in prayer, Jesus walks on water. That moment was the fruit of His private time with the Father.
And Peter? He steps out in faith—but the moment he shifts his focus to the storm, he starts to sink.
Your focus fuels your faith.
And your lack of focus will fuel your fear.
4. Never Lose the Wonder
After Jesus calms the storm, the disciples worship: “Truly You are the Son of God.” And when they land, crowds run to Jesus just to touch the edge of His garment—and they’re healed.
They weren’t numb to His presence. They were hungry.
Final Thought
This summer let’s not miss what God is doing because we were too distracted. Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus—the Author and Perfecter of our faith.
He’s calling you to step out of the boat.
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