Courage in the deep
Wednesday, March 20
Courage in the deep
Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. Matthew 14:22
Imagine you’re out on a peaceful lake with your friends, enjoying a sunny afternoon of fishing. The water is calm, the breeze is gentle, and laughter fills the air as you cast your lines into the sparkling blue depths. But suddenly, dark clouds roll in, and the once-tranquil scene transforms into a tempestuous nightmare. Fear grips your heart as you struggle to keep the vessel afloat amidst the raging storm.
In moments like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless, like you’re sinking beneath the weight of the world. But it’s precisely in these moments of turmoil and uncertainty that our faith is tested and our dependence on God is deepened.
In the midst of the storm, the disciples were terrified. But it was Peter who dared to step out in faith, obeying Jesus’ command to come to Him on the water. For a brief moment, Peter walked on the waves, defying the laws of nature by fixing his eyes on Jesus. But when he took his eyes off the Savior and focused on the wind and waves, fear consumed him, and he began to sink.
Like Peter, obeying God’s call often leads us into deep and tumultuous waters. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones, confront our fears, and trust God’s leading even when the storms rage around us. And just as Jesus reached out His hand to save Peter from sinking, He is always there to rescue us when we cry out to Him in faith.
So, if you find yourself in the midst of a storm today, remember this: your assignment may cause you to sink, but it’s in the sinking that you discover the depths of God’s grace and the strength of His outstretched arm. Let your faith be anchored in the One who calms the storm and walks on water, and you will find the courage to rise above the waves and follow Him wherever He leads.
Prayer for today: Heavenly Father, thank You for the assurance that You are always with us, even in the midst of life’s storms. Give us the faith to step out in obedience, knowing that You are our ever-present help in times of trouble. When fear threatens to overwhelm us, help us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, and trust in His unfailing love and power to save. May we find peace in the midst of the storm and courage to follow wherever You lead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.