At night, things are supposed to be peaceful and quiet. At the end of the day when we have settled in we look forward to rest. It’s time to sleep but, suddenly, something goes “bump.”
Day or night, so many things cause us to be afraid. But then comes real fear. The test results reveal serious illness. Your employer calls you into the office without prior notice. There are so many instances that cause us to experience real fear. “Is it treatable?” “What will I do now?”
In our text, the twelve were crossing the Sea of Galilee at night when a violent storm arose. Notice the text doesn’t say the disciples were afraid of the storm. They were fishermen; wind and waves they could handle, but then something went “bump.”
In the midst of the storm they saw a human figure walking toward them. They became terrified; people don’t walk on water, let alone during a violent storm. Yet, Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid, it is I.” Hearing his voice, Peter begs his Lord, “Command me to come out on the water.” There comes a point when fear must give way to faith, and faith leads us to trust and belief.
Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water with Jesus. Only when fear took his eyes away from his Lord did Peter begin to sink. It is the same for people today. Through faith, God equips us to face our fears. Trusting in Jesus we can walk with our Lord through adversity. Only when fear takes our focus away from God will we begin to sink. Still, Jesus says, “Take heart; it is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Prayer: Lord God, Rescue me from the things that go “bump” in my life. Help me to take heart and know you are with me always. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
In the Beginning 