Take Heart!

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Matthew 14:22-36

I find it so easy to be brave at the beginning of a challenge and so hard to keep strong when the storms overtake me. We all are enthusiastic in a new adventure, yet we often panic when reality sets in. Peter steps out in faith, over the boat rail, walking towards Jesus. I am sure he was joyful and exhilarated at first. When the reality of it hit him, he panicked. The good news today is that Jesus reached out, took his hand and brought him to safety. And Jesus is there for us today.

Wondrous Creator, you command the seas

the stars and the heavens and in your control

you send the winds to cool us and fill our sails

and you restore our faith in the midst of storms.

We are too often self-assured and enthusiastic

yet when we face hardships and great storms

we are fearful, angry and full of panic and blame

believing we have been let down and abandoned.

Help us to seek you when we are upright or sinking

give us the faith to trust you in the terrors of life

give us your eyes to see love coming to us through storms

and give us courage to step out in faith again and again. Amen.