Light On My Path

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Light On My Path Part 14 - Take Courage

by Gail Rodgers
It’s a familiar Bible story. The disciples are out in their boat and the waves are crashing against it in the wee hours of the morning. Suddenly they see a figure walking on the water, coming toward the boat. FEAR takes over and they cry out terrified. The figure is Jesus and He calls to them…

“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Luke 14:22-32)

Peter hears the Lord’s voice and FAITH rises up within him. He calls back across the water…

“Lord, if it’s you tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. BUT… when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out,” Lord, save me!”

The circumstances around Peter took his focus off Jesus and his faith was overcome with fear.

“Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

We all know that familiar cycle of FAITH, FEAR, FAITH, FEAR. We know that feeling of being the one who Jesus asks, “Why did you doubt?”
Storms often do rage out there in the various circumstances of life. Yet if we keep our eyes on Jesus we will be empowered to walk above our circumstances with the strength of the Holy Spirit.
As soon as our eyes begin focusing on the wind and the waves and the details of the storm, our faith will be over come with fear.
We can choose where in the cycle we will rest. We can let fear be the prominent factor in our day-to-day life. Its telltale emotions will leave us feeling like we are sinking with little hope.
Or, we can choose to put our faith in Jesus believing He loves us lavishly and will work things together for our good and His glory. In the process He will strengthen us to face what we need to and will give us wisdom and insight as we walk. Peace will steady us in spite of any raging storm.
prayer & reflection

Father God,
Today I choose to focus on You and Your strength in my weakness. I ask for the power of Your Holy Spirit to give me wisdom and insight. Let Your peace rule my heart today as I put my faith in You. Whenever fear threatens to over-ride my faith help me to lift up my eyes to You, my faithful and loving God who is able to do above what I could ask or imagine.
In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.