Matthew 14:30 “But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’”

Our world has gotten quite used to multi-tasking. Everyday people, from mothers to business executives, find a way to accomplish several chores simultaneously. But there are certain things when multi-tasking won’t work. These things require complete laser focus. Without it, a person will sink.

Early on in my line of work I realized a certain task would require laser focus. While I do a variety of chores simultaneously with no problem, when I sit behind the clerking cart at an auction, I must strong-arm my mind into complete concentration. If I don’t maintain that focus, I will almost certainly miss important details.

Over the years I have gotten better at this difficult undertaking but often auction goers don’t understand. I truly care about their questions and friendly conversation, but amid the auction hubbub I must focus.

There are also times in our spiritual life when we need laser focus. Peter, Jesus’ disciple, discovered this the hard way. He and his fellow disciples found themselves in a boat a long way from land. As the waves picked up, the terrified men noticed a ghostly figure walking towards them on the turbulent waters. Jesus, the figure in question, immediately alleviated their fears by revealing His identity, and Peter asked if he could come to Him on the water.

Jesus agreed and Peter fearlessly jumped overboard and started to walk across the waves. But Peter lost his laser focus. In a moment of panic, the disciple took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. Between gulps of lake water, he managed to scream for help. Jesus immediately took hold of the waterlogged disciple and helped him back into the boat.

This amazing story illustrates my weakness. I know what God’s word reveals about my heavenly Father, but so often when I find myself in a scary situation I lose my laser focus. The waves I encounter draw my attention away from the truth and I begin to sink in terror and confusion.

Thankfully Peter gives us a good example of what to do when we start to sink. He didn’t waste any time, but called out to the One who could save him from drowning. And Jesus responded in time, saving Him and getting him back into the boat.

While multi-tasking is useful and good for some things, don’t forget there are times when intense focus is in order. When surrounded by waves of difficulty or sitting at an auction cart, it is important to give all your energy to locking your mind onto the right thing. Don’t worry about what other people might think. Do what you need to do. Set your laser focus on the Lord and His word. Otherwise, you just might sink!