Take Heart

Sometimes help is a lot closer than we think.

When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, 'Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.' Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. - Mark 6:47-51

What I find fascinating about the way Mark wrote this story is that he says that Jesus intended to pass them by while he was walking on the water.

He saw they were struggling, but it wasn't until they cried out that he decided to calm their fears and join them.

What does that tell us about our relationship with God?

I think the message is one of faith.  Jesus tells them to take heart and not be afraid.  If they had faith, they would have known that he was with them and they would have made it to shore without him having to calm the sea.  But they chose to be afraid.  They doubted themselves and their abilities.

How often do we do that?  How many times do we doubt we can handle a situation and then lose it?

As children of God, we should always know that He is with us and through Him we can do anything.  Without Him, we are lost.  So, fear not.

It sounds easy, but it isn't. 

It is the hardest thing we have to do.  Trust in God and know He is with us.

We would much rather cry out and have him comfort us, take control and lead us safely home.

But sometimes, that isn't how it works out.  We shouldn't feel abandoned when it does.  Instead, we should take a breath and know God is with us.

Then we may be able to clearly see what we need to do to get home.

More to come...