Sermon Notes
Series: Progress. Process. Possibilities.
Focus: Step Into It
Key Scripture
3 John 1:2 (KJV)
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
Matthew 14:22–31 (KJV)
(Peter walks on water and learns the power of focus, faith, and calling on Jesus)
1. God Desires Your Success—but It Starts Within
God’s will is for you to prosper, succeed, and be in health—but it is directly connected to your soul.
You can only grow outwardly to the level you are developed inwardly.
2. You Are Not Self-Made
The idea of being “self-made” ignores God’s grace.
Even before you knew Him, God:
- Protected you
- Preserved you
- Positioned you
Grace has always been at work in your life.
3. Destiny Is Discovered, Not Created
You can build your own life—but it won’t match God’s design.
- Destiny = God’s plan for your future
- Purpose = God’s personal interest in your life
True fulfillment comes from discovering what God already designed.
4. What You Focus On Has Power Over You
Your focus determines your experience.
- Focus on problems → increases fear
- Focus on God → strengthens faith
What you consistently focus on will shape your life.
5. You Are Designed for Victory
Life is not meant to be:
- One struggle after another
- One failure after another
With God, it becomes:
- One victory after another
- One healing after another
Your perspective determines your reality.
6. Fear Disrupts Focus
In Matthew 14, the disciples:
- Saw Jesus perform miracles
- Still lost focus in the storm
Fear caused them to forget what Jesus already said.
7. Faith Requires Action
Peter didn’t wait for perfect conditions.
When Jesus said “Come,”
he stepped out.
Faith is not passive—it moves.
8. You Don’t Lose Faith All At Once
The Bible says Peter “began to sink.”
That means:
- Fear and faith were battling
- His focus shifted gradually
Spiritual decline is often subtle before it becomes visible.
9. Call on God Immediately
When Peter began sinking, he cried:
“Lord, save me.”
And Jesus responded immediately.
God doesn’t wait for perfection—He responds to dependence.
10. Step Into What God Said
You don’t test it…
You don’t wait for it to feel safe…
You step into it.
- Step into healing
- Step into opportunity
- Step into growth
- Step into purpose
Key Takeaways
• Your external success is tied to your internal development
• God’s grace has always been working in your life
• Focus determines what has power over you
• Fear and faith compete for control
• Progress requires movement—not just intention
• When fear rises, call on God immediately
• You have to step into what God has already spoken
Reflection Questions
• What areas of my life am I trying to control without God?
• Where has fear caused me to lose focus?
• What internal conversations are limiting my progress?
• What is God calling me to step into right now?
• Am I waiting for comfort instead of moving in faith?
Declarations
• I am not self-made—I am God-created and God-led
• My soul is prospering, and my life is following
• I am focused on God, not fear
• I walk in victory, not defeat
• I will not sink—I will call on God
• I am stepping into everything God has for me
Closing Thought
You don’t wait for the storm to stop.
You learn how to walk on what once tried to take you under.
Step into it.
