Passage of the Day:
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” – Matthew 14:22-29.
Reflection:
Everyone is afraid of something. Some may be fearful of ghosts. the dark, or deep water. Meanwhile, when it’s late at night, your eyes may play tricks on you, seeing something that doesn’t seem right. As for the disciples, at least 4 were fishermen who often stayed on the water late at night. As the waves and wind picked up, the disciples began to panic, thinking Jesus was possibly a ghost of a fisherman who drown at sea. However, Jesus tried to calm down these men by calling out from the waters. Peter wasn’t sure if this was a practical joke or was really happening, so he challenges Jesus. This reassurance is what led Peter to get out of the boat and walk by faith on the water. Unfortunately, the moment Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, he began to sink.
Prayerful Action:
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” – Matthew 14:31-33
Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:
At the age of 55, I know my limitations, what I can and can’t do. However, if I possessed more confidence in certain areas, I’d be more willing to get out of my boat, comfort zone, and begin to walk by faith. Just like the words of Hebrews 12:1-2, fixing your eyes on Jesus demonstrates fortitude. However, the moment you start looking at your circumstances, courage and guts waver. Therefore, if you want to pursue fortitude this September, it’s time for you to get out of your boat, comfort zone, and start walking by faith.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
As the summer fades into fall, may you overcome any fears that you have to start walking by faith. However, you can’t walk by faith until you get out of your boat, comfort zone.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 