Courage…I AM…Fear Not If you were really doing God’s will you wouldn’t be having ANY difficulty… Ever felt this way? Remember, Jesus never fired the disciples (even when they failed). Courage…I AM…Fear Not Matthew14:27 Where do you need to hear these words of Jesus? Jesus sent the disciples to the other side of the lake…and they encountered resistance. They were doing what they had been asked to do and the waves and the wind rose up against them. Matthew doesn’t tell us what they were thinking, but I wonder if they were discouraged, afraid, confused, or even angry? I find that there are plenty of waves and wind these days. not to mention wind: a global pandemic, racial and political tensions, difficulties at work, financial challenges, isolation, addiction, family problems, just to name a few. It might be easy to lose sight of the call that our Lord has placed on us; to lose heart and believe that we must be doing it all wrong? Where are you being beaten about by the waves What is threatening to swamp and flood your boat? Stop. Breathe. Hear the words of Jesus “Courage…I AM…Fear Not!” Where is the wind threatening to blow you over? Close your eyes. Unclench your fists. God has not abandoned you: “Courage…I AM…Fear Not!” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. Matthew 14:28-29 We often talk about Peter losing sight of Jesus, sinking, and crying out for help (vs 30). But notice the faith, boldness, and obedience that he displays. He leaves the boat behind and walks to Jesus. Where might Jesus be asking you (us) to get out of the boat and walk on the water with him? What comfort and security might you (we) need to leave behind? “Courage…I AM…Fear Not!” Blessings,
Matthew+ Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP p. 232) | 
