WALKING ON WATER

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Matthew 14:27

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Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”.

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I'm not exactly sure of the year but I think it was 2005 and it was an especially cold winter in Arrowtown. Nevertheless, my trusty St Bernard, "Einstein", was determined we would take our morning walk and so we ventured down to the Arrow River, to see it frozen over! In many places, the water was actually frozen as it tumbled down the tiny falls or over fallen brances ... creating icy masterpieces.

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At two places, the entire span of the river was frozen solid and 130 kilos of St Bernard and 80 kilos of human, had the opportunity to “walk on water.”

 

Even with the knowledge that the ice was thick enough to support us and that the river was only about 15cm deep, I took the first few steps tentatively. I was fearful the ice wouldn’t continue to hold us. As I cautiously explored this unfamiliar terrain, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus calling Peter out of the boat onto the Sea of Galilee.

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When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, their response was also fear.

 

But Jesus responded, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid”.

 

Peter was able to overcome his fear and step out onto the water because he knew Jesus was present.

 

When his courageous steps faltered because of the wind and waves, Peter cried out to Jesus. Jesus was still there, near enough to simply reach out His hand to rescue him.

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Today, we are facing situations that even a few short weeks ago were unimaginable.

 

Take courage! Do Not be afraid. Jesus is still calling to us. Jesus is still present with us.

 

Jesus WILL help us to do something that, at the moment, may seem as impossible as walking on water.

 

Take courage. The one who calls you IS present with you ..... now and always!

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Reflect & Pray

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Dear Lord, thank You for the assurance that You are always with us. I know that when I call out to you, you hear.

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Lord, help me to hear you saying, "I am your hope" over all the other voices.
 

Lord, your word says, you are the hope for hopeless so I'm running to you

with both hands stretched out and grabbing on to you.

Fill me up with hope and remind me that hope through Jesus is an unbreakable spiritual lifeline.

God, you know those things in my heart that I barely dare to hope for, today I give them to you.

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My Lord, my God, you are my hope and I put my trust in you. Amen. AMEN.