Take Courage!

"...but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid. Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down" Mark 6:49-51

When Jesus dismissed the five thousand to whom he fed miraculously with the five loaves and two fish, he dispatched the disciples ahead of him to Bethsaida. On the journey a fierce storm came up and they began to struggle and floundered in the waves. Seeing their trouble Jesus came to them walking across the water.

Jesus asked his followers to step out in faith and go ahead of him to the next town where they would minister. The disciples obediently did so. When the difficult conditions arose and hampered their journey, Jesus came out to where they were and got in the boat with them. He provided comfort in his words, "Take courage! It is I." He calmed the wind, "and they were completely amazed."

This event so beautifully captures how God works in our daily lives through our most difficult circumstances. All God asks us to do is step out in faith and serve him. He knows the journey will be difficult and he wants us to trust that he will be there every step of the way. When the going really gets difficult, Jesus steps into our very situation (our boat) and he calms the storm.

No matter where we find ourselves in life, Jesus is right their with us. The Holy Spirit our Comforter was promised to us when Jesus arose into heaven. "Take courage! It is I."

Father, forgive us for not fully trusting you throughout our times of difficulty. We know your word says you will never leave us nor forsake us. Strengthen our resolve, in the name of your son Jesus. Please comfort us when we are discouraged and face the difficult storms of our earthly lives. Send the Comforter Lord to remind us of your ever vigilant watch over us. Send us out into the world with boldness and confidence that you will be there as we serve you. Cover us in your blood, and prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies. Grant us your perfect peace through your quiet strength. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!