The Wednesday Word 7.27.2022

 

Matthew 14:22-33

22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning. Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

 

The Scriptures tell us over and over again not to be afraid. The problem is that we are human and we have the instinct for self-preservation hard-wired into our brains. From infancy we are taught to avoid risk and danger. Nobody wants to see kids falling into the fire or washing away in the river! As we grow up, we transfer that risk avoidance to more areas of life. “Don’t talk to strangers!” “Don’t let them take advantage of you!” “Don’t give your heart away!” We inculcate fear into our everyday lives.

A life bound by fear is not what the Lord has in mind for us. Of course, common sense is a gift as much as any other; God wants us to be safe and healthy. But, when it comes to following his commands and his teachings, we are meant to be bold and fearless! So many aspects of life would be better if only we would practice putting our faith in God, as we have been told, instead of allowing our fear to overwhelm us. We are going to have qualms, anxieties, worries and downright fear. That is part of human nature derived from our separation from the Creator God. What neutralizes the kinds of thoughts that freeze us in our tracks is regaining closeness to the Creator God. He has promised to be with us, to guide and comfort us. He has saved us. We have to learn to let him…something to pray about.

Don’t forget to look for the Lord today. Vicki H.




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