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

Life is full of storms, and we have many reasons to be fearful. Whether it is our health, our employment or lack thereof, our family situations or political situations that make us afraid, we have lots of reasons to worry and be afraid. The disciples were facing high winds and were feeling abandoned when Jesus came walking on the water. Who wouldn't be afraid. Peter steps out but then panics, like all of us might. Bold at first and then terrified. Jesus reminds them (and us) to take heart and not to be afraid. That's easier said than done. We are called to take heart, even when the storms get fierce, for He is in charge of the wind and the waves.

Gracious Creator, you give us faith and strength

to face the storms of life and those strong gales

shielding us with your eternal and comforting love.

We can easily forget to trust you when storms arrive

we try to come up with solutions in our deep fears

and we sink lower as we give in to the deep waters.

Lift us up, Lord, so we might keep walking to you

fill us with hope when the times get dark and scary

and make us filled with your love in all out hearts today. Amen.