New Year: No Fear

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”        Matthew 14:25-26 (NIV)

Did you have any moments in 2009 when you felt overwhelmed? I did. Do you think there could be any moments that will fall in that description in 2010? Financial downturns, unexpected illness and accidents, marriages under fire, and children growing and learning their boundaries do not always come in restful spacing throughout a year. Too often we feel like we are trying to juggle several situations and keep full plates spinning on tiny rods 12 feet in the air.

The disciples are caught in another storm on the lake. They are terrified. Jesus had sent them on this journey. I bet they were wishing He, their leader, was with them! Jesus answers their cries. He comes to them. But He comes in a way they are not expecting. Maybe they thought He would come alongside in a larger boat. No, Jesus comes walking across the water! They thought they were seeing a ghost!

“I am here! Do not be afraid!”

There is power in those words. To wake up from surgery and hear your husband say, “I’m here, honey. You’re OK.” is the best. When a Little Leaguer spots Mom and Dad in the bleachers, it gives strength to the swing and the throw. When a husband/wife faces an unexpected, unplanned job change and their spouse stands with them through the change with unquestioned encouragement, the wedding vows take on a new dimension. This life doesn’t always happen as I just described because every situation I just named involves humans. Jesus is the only One who always answers, every time, “I am here! Do not be afraid!” He is who we put our trust. He will never leave or let us down.

“You are in me and I am in you.”       John 14:20 (NIV)

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”        John 10:28  (NIV)

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.         Romans 8:38-39 (WEB)

God is always there. Look up – Look over your shoulder – that is Jesus walking toward you through the storm.

There’s a great little movie called Facing the Giants. If you haven’t seen it, (or even if you have) go rent it and bring in the new year with – The Truth.