He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side while He dismissed the crowds. After dismissing the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone. But the boat was already over a mile from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. Around three in the morning, He came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear. Immediately, Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 14:22-27
My words…
Praise
Clockmakers understand the mechanisms of their creations: every gear, wheel, and dial. For them, there is no mystery as to how the clock keeps time. And there is no anxiety when the clock acts up. They fix it. Is it the same for You and Your creation? I think so. For You, there is no difference between pounding waves and calm seas or gusting wind and gentle breezes. It’s all Your creation, and You understand its mechanisms. I see You in my mind’s eye, sandals on sea, robes billowing. Were You laughing with your old friends, the wind and the waves? Oh, to witness the Sea of Galilee celebrating the visit of its incarnate creator!
Prayer for me
There are times, when I am sailing along in life, when the wind is against me. It’s rough going, tiring, discouraging, even frightening. I don’t have the option of turning back or stopping. Life moves on. Day after day – wind in the face. Then, there are days when the wind is with me, the wind at my back. Smooth sailing, nothing to fear. With the guidance of Your Spirit, may I react to the wind in my face in the same way as when it’s at my back: Confident in Your care and praising You for it.
Forgive me
When the disciples saw you walking toward their boat, they assumed You were a ghost. They didn’t recognize You. I do the same. Blessings come my way, and I give credit to the wrong entity (usually myself). Forgive me when I don’t always recognize You in my life.
Prayer for others
I pray for those who are facing torrential storms in life right now. The wind is whipping their faith apart. They are blind to You walking beside them and deaf to Your pleas to be courageous. Open their eyes and ears, Lord. Save them!
Thank You
Thank You for exhibiting Your deity in spectacular ways for me to read about long afterward. I’m grateful for everything I have learned about You from this one stroll over the sea.
More praise
The bookends of Your words, “have courage” and “don’t be afraid,” hold in place the most important message: “It is I.” I’ve been taught this is translated I Am. These words are the catalyst for my courage. When I am weary, You Are. When I am discouraged, You Are. When I am frightened, You Are. That’s all I need to believe.
